Nairobi, Kenya — More than 200 protesters have been arrested in Kenya’s capital Nairobi in ongoing protests against tax increases proposed in a finance bill to be introduced in parliament.
Civil society groups said demonstrations and a planned sit-in outside parliament buildings will continue despite the arrest of 210 protesters.
Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei said on Tuesday that no group had been granted permission to protest in the capital. The right to hold peaceful protests is guaranteed in Kenya’s Constitution, but organizers must notify the police in advance. Police generally give the go-ahead unless there are safety concerns.
Police fired tear gas canisters at hundreds of protesters on Tuesday, forcing businesses to temporarily close for fear of looting.
A lawyer, Wanjohi Gachie, said he was protesting on behalf of all Kenyans who could be affected by the tax increases.
“I ask the police not to arrest us or beat us, because we are also fighting for their rights,” he said.
Some major tax proposals in the bill were scrapped after a meeting on Tuesday morning between ruling party lawmakers and President William Ruto.
Finance committee chairwoman Kuria Kimani said the proposal to introduce a 16% value-added tax on bread had been abandoned.
Other levies that sparked debate and have been amended include a proposed 2.5% annual motor vehicle tax that would apply to insurance.
A proposed tax on environmentally degrading goods will also be amended to apply only to imported goods to encourage local manufacturing.
Human rights group Amnesty Kenya said its staff members observing the protests were arrested.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and observers,” the group said.
Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said police used tear gas on lawyers at a Nairobi police station as they tried to see their clients.
Last month, Ruto defended the proposed taxes, saying the country must be financially self-sufficient.
“The principle is that you should live within your means,” he said. “I convinced and explained to the people of Kenya that we must start improving our income.”
Opposition leader Raila Odinga urged lawmakers to examine the bill and vote to remove clauses that would burden the poor.
“It is worse than 2023, an investment killer and a huge millstone around the necks of millions of poor Kenyans who must have hoped that the tears they shed over taxes last year would make the government reduce the tax burden in 2024.” he said in a statement in early June
Opposition member Kalonzo Musyoka said weekly protests would resume if the finance bill is passed as proposed.
Lawmakers are due to debate the bill starting Wednesday, with a vote scheduled for Monday.
Last year’s finance law introduced a 1.5% housing tax on the gross income of salaried people, despite concerns that it would place an even greater burden on Kenyans already struggling with high housing costs. life. The law also doubled the VAT on petroleum products from 8% to 16%.
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