Dozens arrested in Kenya protests over proposed tax hikes in finance bill
Dozens of protesters have been arrested in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, in ongoing protests against proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that is due to be tabled in parliament
NAIROBI, Kenya — Dozens of protesters have been arrested in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, in ongoing protests against proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that is due to be tabled in parliament.
Civil society groups say that despite the arrests, demonstrations and a planned sit-down outside the parliament buildings will continue.
Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei on Tuesday said no group had been granted permission to protest in the capital. The right to peaceful protests is guaranteed in Kenya's constitution but organizers are required to notify the police beforehand. Police generally give a go-ahead unless there are security concerns.
Police hurled tear-gas canisters at hundreds of demonstrators 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 would be potentially burdened by the tax hikes.
“I’m requesting the police not to arrest or beat us, because we are fighting for their rights as well,” he said.
Some major tax proposals in the bill were dropped after a Tuesday morning meeting between ruling party MPs and President William Ruto.
The chairperson of the finance committee, Kuria Kimani, said the proposal to introduce a 16% VAT tax on bread had been dropped.
Other levies that had prompted debate and have been amended include a proposed 2.5% motor vehicle annual tax that was to be placed on insurance.
A proposed tax on goods that degrade the environment will also be amended to apply only to imported goods to encourage local manufacturing.
Ruto
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