Dozens of citizens were killed in Kenya as a result of riots seeking to protest the possible signing of a bill that would approve tax hikes on daily services and items, such as internet and fuel, in a plan to raise an additional $2.7 billion in revenue. The protests, led mostly by young Kenyans who organized on social media, managed to stop the bill’s approval and are now demanding President William Ruto’s resignation.
Dozens Killed in Riots as Kenya Revolts Against Tax Hikes, Calls for Presidential Resignation
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Kenya Riots Against $2.7 Billion Tax Hikes Bill Results in Dozens Dead
Tax hikes and how governments implement them have become relevant again. The introduction of a tax hike bill in Kenia, seeking to obtain an additional $2.7 billion in tax revenue, has ignited a flame that moved the Kenyan youth to riot, protesting its implementation in the streets.
According to reports, the intensity and relevance of protests rose until hundreds tried to access the Parliament House in Nairobi, where Kenyan police forces fired live ammunition to thwart the riots. The protests resulted in 23 people being killed, dozens of citizens arrested and hundreds injured, as the movement sought to block the signing of the bill.
The bill, if passed, would have put more economic stress on the pockets of Kenyans, imposing taxes on everyday services and items, such as internet data, fuel, bank transfers, and even diapers. This angered Kenyans, who took to the streets to battle these new taxes as their cost of living was projected to increase.
The “rebellion” caused President Willian Ruto, a de-dollarization supporter, to backpedal, declaring that he would not sign the bill he pushed, saying on June 26 that he conceded to the popular rejection of these measures. Before, the government had justified these hikes stating that these funds would be used to pay for national debt interest and keep the government running.
However, the growing movement is now seeking more, calling for Ruto to leave office amidst a crisis that affects his credibility. Hundreds of protesters continued to take the streets on June 27, rallying around the memory of the fallen and chanting “Ruto must go.”
What do you think about the riots against William Ruto’s tax hike bill in Kenya? Tell us in the comments section below
