Nairobi, Kenya – Mass protests erupted in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities this week, driven by young people opposing a proposed finance bill. Demonstrators gathered outside Parliament on Thursday, decrying tax hikes and levies that they claim would worsen the country’s cost-of-living crisis. Police responded with tear gas, arresting hundreds.
The protests, led by the youth, expressed frustration with the government’s handling of taxpayer funds. “We pay taxes, but they get stolen. How can we trust them with more?” asked Makena Kahuha, an actor and content creator. Pamela Muriuki, another protester, criticized the government’s allegiance to party loyalty over voter interests.
Unlike previous protests led by opposition parties, these demonstrations were driven by young citizens who used social media to mobilize and document clashes with police. The #OccupyParliament hashtag gained traction, forcing the government to scrap contentious provisions, including taxes on bread and on car ownership.
The presidency announced the amended finance bill, removing levies on financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and motor vehicle tax. Mobile money transfer fees will also remain unchanged. The government had initially defended the tax hikes as necessary to reduce external borrowing, but critics argued they would worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
Civil society organizations praised the peaceful protests, noting that young people mobilized without political influence. Wanjiru Gikonyo, national coordinator of the Institute for Social Accountability, emphasized the significance of peaceful protests, saying they showed that violence is often instigated by political actors. Zaha Indimuli, executive director of the Amali Organization, called for government accountability and dialogue with citizens.
The protests demonstrated the power of youth-led activism in Kenya, pushing the government to reconsider contentious legislation and prioritize citizen interests.
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