Kenya Protests (2024)
| Kenya Protests (2024) | |
|---|---|
| Date | June 18, 2024 – |
| Location | |
| Goals |
|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Casualties | |
| Injuries | 2 Policemen 1 Protestor |
| Arrested | 210+ |
In 2024, Kenya witnessed significant protests in its capital, Nairobi, against proposed tax hikes in a new finance bill. These demonstrations were primarily fueled by anger over the rising cost of living and growing taxes.[1]
History[edit]
The protests began with more than 200 people being arrested,[2] as civil society groups and citizens expressed their opposition to the bill. Despite these arrests, demonstrations and a planned sit-in outside parliament buildings continued.[2][3]
Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei stated that no group had been granted permission to protest, despite the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Police responded to the protests by using tear gas and forcing businesses to close temporarily due to fears of looting.[4]
Response[edit]
In response to the public outcry, the Kenyan government scrapped several proposed tax increases.[3]
16% value-added tax on bread was removed, along with proposed taxes on motor vehicles, vegetable oil, and mobile money transfers.[5][6]
Kuria Kimani, the chairman of Kenya’s Finance and National Planning Committee, emphasized that these changes were made to protect Kenyans from the increased cost of living.
References[edit]
- ^ "More than 200 arrested in Kenya protests over proposed tax hikes in finance bill". Voice of America. 2024-06-18. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ a b "More than 200 arrested in Kenya protests over proposed tax hikes in finance bill". AP News. 2024-06-18. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ a b Madowo, Caitlin Danaher, Larry (2024-06-18). "Kenyan government scraps elements of controversial tax bill amid protests". CNN. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Kenya scraps some tax hike proposals as protesters rally in Nairobi". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ Princewill, Nimi (2024-06-19). "Mass arrests in Kenya as angry citizens protest against tax hikes". CNN. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ Dahir, Abdi Latif (2024-06-18). "Protests Erupt in Kenya Over Tax Hike Proposals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-06-19.