Major towns across Kenya have become the focal points of widespread protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, as Members of Parliament prepare to debate contentious tax proposals.
In Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Isiolo, crowds have taken to the streets early Thursday morning, chanting slogans and brandishing placards in vehement opposition to the bill.
In Kisumu, youths congregated at the Kondele roundabout, amplifying their dissent with whistles and banners denouncing the Finance Bill.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, a substantial police presence has been observed, with roads leading to Parliament barricaded to manage the growing demonstrations.
Despite the tense atmosphere, authorities have urged restraint and pledged to safeguard the protesters’ right to peaceful assembly.
This follows previous protests in Nairobi under the banner “Occupy Parliament,” where Kenyans rallied to pressure lawmakers into rejecting the Finance Bill.
The public outcry, initially sparked by online activism, prompted adjustments from the Kenya Kwanza government.
Amendments to the bill included the removal of contentious proposals such as a 16% VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and a 2.5% Motor Vehicle Tax.
Additionally, increases in mobile money transfer fees and Excise Duty on vegetable oil have been scrapped.
Responding to the escalating demonstrations, President William Ruto emphasized that while protests are a democratic right, they should not impede institutional decision-making processes.
“Civil society is free to demonstrate; it is their right, but decisions must be made by institutions,” remarked President Ruto on Wednesday, signaling the government’s stance amid mounting public dissent.
As the debate unfolds in Parliament, the outcome of the Finance Bill will not only shape fiscal policies but also influence public trust and political dynamics in Kenya.
The ongoing protests underscore the depth of public concern over economic policies and their impact on daily livelihoods, marking a critical juncture in Kenya’s legislative landscape.
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