Clashes Erupt Between Police and Protesters Amid Tax Reforms in Kenya
Once more, police clashed with anti-tax demonstrators in Kenya on Thursday, even after the president retracted a contentious law.
Protesters, who vowed a march to the State House last week, remain skeptical about President William Ruto’s promises to repeal the tax increases and implement budget cuts.
On Wednesday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua implored the youth involved in protests to put their plans on hold and consider engaging in constructive dialogue.
This grassroots movement has its roots in social media, with young Kenyans urging lawmakers to reject proposed tax increments. It soon escalated into demands for the president’s resignation after the legislation was approved.
On Tuesday, chaos erupted as thousands stormed Kenya’s parliament, setting parts of the building ablaze and forcing lawmakers to flee for their lives. Law enforcement responded with gunfire, leading to reports of at least 22 fatalities.
Activists found themselves divided over the direction of Thursday’s demonstrations. One protester, Boniface Mwangi, called on others to peacefully march down Parliament Road—to honor those who lost their lives in recent protests. “Invading the State House isn’t a solution,” he posted on X.
In contrast, Francis Gaitho, one of many activists rallying support online, argued for a march to the State House, insisting young protesters should voice their dissent there.
Warnings echoed among activists about the heightened risks this time around. Ruto declared on Tuesday that he intends to quell any unrest “at whatever cost.”
Political analyst Javas Bigambo informed The Associated Press that the dissatisfaction stems from a lack of faith in the president’s commitment to the austerity measures he introduced on Wednesday.
“Kenyans continue to wrestle with economic hardships and bureaucratic inefficiencies,” he remarked.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken also reached out to Ruto on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for the president’s efforts to mitigate tensions.
“The Secretary emphasized the need for security forces to exercise restraint, avoid violence, and ensure timely investigations into reported human rights violations,” a statement indicated.
While the U.S. embraces Ruto as a reliable partner in Africa, frustrations simmer across the continent over Western policies.
In May, Ruto visited Washington—the first state visit by an African leader in 16 years. On Tuesday, amid escalating protests, the U.S. designated Kenya as its inaugural “major non-NATO ally” in sub-Saharan Africa. This move, though largely symbolic, underscores their collaborative security interests.
Simultaneously on Tuesday, a substantial number of Kenyan police were dispatched to lead an international effort against gang violence in Haiti, an initiative applauded by President Joe Biden.
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