Kenyan police have clashed with anti-tax protesters in the capital, Nairobi, as demonstrations have spread across the country, including to the president’s home town of Eldoret.
Anti-riot police, some on horseback, fired tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters on the streets of Nairobi.
There were similar protests in other cities and major towns across the country – including Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Nyeri.
There is a palpable anger among many Kenyans over a controversial finance bill that has introduced a number of unpopular tax proposals.
Despite the complaints, the controversial bill was passed by a majority of MPs during the second reading stage. It will now go on to the next stage where a committee will consider amendments related to the proposed taxes.
As the protests started on Tuesday, the public outcry forced the government to withdraw some of contentious provisions, including a 16% tax on bread and an annual 2.5% tax on vehicles.
But protesters say this is not enough and have demanded that legislators, who are currently debating the bill in parliament, to reject the entire bill.
“I dropped out of college as my parents couldn’t afford my education. I’m hustling to go back and now you want to take the little I make and make me not even buy sanitary pads?” Aristaricus Irolo, 26, told the BBC in the capital, while holding a pad, which is among the items affected by the proposed tax rises.
Credible News.ng
