Photos and news agency reports showed protesters clashing on the streets of Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Tuesday as the African country passed a controversial finance bill to raise state taxes.
Earlier in the day, the Kenyan Parliament declare It has passed a controversial second reading Finance Bill 2024 – Plan to raise a series of taxes that would benefit ordinary consumers – 195 votes in favor, 106 against, no abstentions, and three invalid votes.
The tax law was enacted last week amended Exclude the originally proposed 16% value-added tax on bread, sugar transport, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and the 2.5% motor vehicle tax.
The bill sparked nationwide protests in Kenya, which is grappling with a cost-of-living crisis driven by inflation. It rebounded to 5.1% in May. Kenya’s Human Rights Commission shared a video of police firing on protesters on Tuesday, calling for accountability.
Reuters quoted a local paramedic outside parliament as saying that at least 50 people had been shot and injured during recent demonstrations. The news agency further said that part of the building was set on fire during the attack on the parliament building.
CNBC was unable to independently confirm the incidents and has contacted the Kenya Police and Foreign Affairs Ministry regarding Tuesday’s events.
Similar protests have already seen bloodshed after two people were killed in separate demonstrations last week. Associated Press report.
Protesters chanted anti-government slogans and some climbed onto a Kenyan police water cannon truck
Protesters chanted anti-government slogans and some climbed onto a Kenyan police water cannon truck.
Luis Tarto | AFP | Getty Images
A protester kicks a tear gas canister during a demonstration
A protester kicks a tear gas canister during a demonstration during a nationwide strike
Luis Tarto | AFP | Getty Images
Kenyan police water cannon truck sprays water, protesters run for cover
On June 25, 2024, a nationwide strike was held in downtown Nairobi to protest against tax increases and the 2024 Finance Bill. Kenyan police water cannon trucks poured water on the protesters, who ran to avoid them.
Luis Tarto | AFP | Getty Images
A protester holds a sign during a demonstration against proposed government tax bills
A protester holds a placard during a demonstration against proposed government tax bills in Nairobi’s central business district.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Police monitor protesters against proposed tax bill
Police monitor protesters protesting government’s proposed tax bill
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
People use mobile phones to take photos of protesters in Naoribi CBD
People use their mobile phones to take photos of demonstrators in Naoribi’s central business district.
Simon Miner | AFP | Getty Images
Anti-government demonstrators call for economic shutdown
Anti-government demonstrators have called for a shutdown of the economy because they say the income-raising measures are pushing more of the country’s 54 million people into poverty.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Protesters react after being pushed by Kenyan police during demonstration
Protesters react after being pushed by Kenyan police during a demonstration.
Luis Tarto | AFP | Getty Images
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