In the heart of Nairobi, a dramatic confrontation unfolded as riot police utilized tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters vehemently opposing the government’s plan to implement new taxes aimed at raising $2.7 billion. The move to use force highlighted the increasing tensions between the government and its citizens, with the latter voicing their opposition through coordinated marches across key cities.
These demonstrations have been primarily peaceful, though the intensity escalated when protesters neared key governmental areas such as the State House and Parliament. Earlier in the day, demonstrators were met with purple water from cannons, a method used by the police to hinder their progress toward key government buildings, reflecting the authorities’ determination to maintain control over public assemblies.
Government Response and Public Resistance
The government’s proposal to introduce new taxes on essential commodities such as car ownership, bread, and cooking oil has sparked significant public unrest. In response to the public outcry, a parliamentary panel recently recommended the withdrawal of several of these taxes, a move that suggests a potential shift in governmental approach to fiscal policy amid increasing pressure from the public.
Despite this concession, Police Inspector General Japhet Koome issued a statement reiterating the police’s stance on not allowing disruptions of parliamentary proceedings or occupation of critical infrastructure, signaling ongoing concerns about the potential for more disruptive protests.
The protests and the government’s tentative steps back come at a critical time when Kenya faces significant economic challenges, including a need to reduce its budget deficit and reliance on borrowing. President William Ruto, who was elected with promises to support the working poor, finds himself at a crossroads between fulfilling his electoral promises and adhering to fiscal responsibilities urged by institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF has specifically called on Kenya to increase its revenues as part of the 2024/25 budget planning. The proposed taxes, according to the government, are crucial for reducing the state’s borrowing needs. However, lawmakers are divided, with some from Ruto’s own coalition expressing reservations about the bill, reflecting the complexities of political consensus in a polarized environment.
 Looking Ahead: Legislative Decisions and National Stability
The ongoing debates are set to culminate in a pivotal legislative session next Tuesday, where lawmakers will vote on the proposed changes to the finance bill. This session will likely be a decisive moment in determining the direction of Kenya’s economic policies and their implications for the common citizen.
As the country stands at this juncture, the actions taken by the government and the responses from the public will shape not only the immediate economic landscape but also the political stability of the nation. With a significant portion of the population already under economic strain, the resolution of this conflict will be critical in shaping public trust and governmental legitimacy moving forward.
  Source: ReutersÂ
