Kenyan police faced off with protesters and deployed tear gas in several cities despite the withdrawal of a proposed tax hike bill. President William Ruto bowed to pressure and pulled back the legislation after violent clashes and mass demonstrations that left at least 23 dead.
The ongoing protests, led by a youth-led movement, are seeking more than just the withdrawal of the tax hikes, as they demand sweeping political reforms. Divided on the next steps, demonstrators are cautious about pushing too far.
While some individuals call for peaceful protests, others are advocating for more aggressive actions, such as invading the presidential palace. The government has responded by deploying security forces and engaging in violent crackdowns, eliciting condemnation from various groups, including medical volunteer teams affected by tear gas.
Ruto, after scrapping the bill, promised to engage in dialogue with the youth and implement austerity measures to tackle Kenya’s high debt. The IMF and ratings agencies are closely monitoring the situation, warning of economic challenges ahead.
The protests, which have garnered broad support, reflect widespread discontent with rising living costs and corruption. Despite the withdrawal of the tax bill, the future of the movement remains uncertain as demonstrators debate their next course of action.