Protesters in Kenya took to the streets to oppose plans to raise $2.7bn in additional taxes, fearing it would harm the economy and burden citizens already struggling to make ends meet.
The Kenyan parliamentary panel recommended scrapping new taxes on car ownership, bread, cooking oil, and financial transactions to ease the financial strain on the public.
Riot police used teargas to disperse demonstrators in Nairobi, while other cities like Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kisumu also saw protests against the proposed tax hikes.
Despite pressure from the International Monetary Fund to boost revenues, Kenyans demanded lawmakers reject the bill, criticizing the government’s economic policies.
President William Ruto, elected on a promise to support the working poor, defended the tax increases as necessary to reduce borrowing dependency, sparking outrage among citizens.
The protest marked a significant backlash against Ruto’s government, reminiscent of demonstrations last year that turned deadly, reflecting ongoing economic challenges facing Kenyans.
Article Source: Reuters
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