Hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets of Nairobi and other cities across the country on Thursday, protesting against proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that they say will raise the cost of living for people already struggling to make ends meet.
The increases are part of a bid to reduce the country’s budget deficit.
Despite the deployment of police in full force, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, the protesters remained defiant, with over 200 arrested on Wednesday in similar protests. Some major tax proposals in the bill were dropped, including on bread, after a meeting between ruling party lawmakers and Kenyan President William Ruto.
The finance bill is currently in its second reading in parliament, with a vote scheduled for Monday.
President William Ruto has defended the tax increases, saying the government needs to reduce its reliance on borrowing. The protesters, however, are adamant that the bill will hurt the economy and increase the cost of living.