Chaos in Kenya during tax bill protests: 1 dead, 200 injured

In Kenya, a bill containing tax increases aimed at closing the government's budget deficit brought people to the streets yesterday in various parts of the country, primarily in the capital, Nairobi.

Protesters and police faced off in demonstrations held across the country against the tax bill, through which the government aims to generate 2.7 billion dollars in revenue with additional taxes.

It was announced that 1 person lost their life and 200 people were injured in the demonstrations, where police intervened with tear gas and water cannons.

MORE THAN 100 DETAINED

Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association stated in a joint statement that spent cartridges were found, which implies that live ammunition was used, and reported that more than 100 protesters were detained across the country.

In a statement made by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), it was noted that the focus is on the fact that the person who lost their life died as a result of police opening fire. The statement announced that a 29-year-old protester injured in the demonstrations could not be saved despite all interventions after being taken to the hospital.

GOVERNMENT HAS NOT TAKEN A STEP BACK

In a statement made by the Kenyan government following the protests held last Tuesday, it was announced that changes had been made to the bill by taking public opinion into account. It was stated that the proposed 16 percent value-added tax (VAT) on bread, taxes on foreign exchange transactions and financial services, and the 2.5 percent motor vehicle tax were abandoned.

Kenyan President William Ruto argues that tax increases are necessary to reduce dependence on foreign borrowing. Kenyan Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung states that they aim to revitalize the economy, generate an additional 346.7 billion Kenyan Shillings in revenue, and alleviate debt with the bill.

News Source: İHA