On Tuesday, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities as thousands protested against proposed tax hikes.
Police also secured the parliament, where the tax bill was being debated, and the State House, the president’s office and residence.
Organizers called for protests and a general strike, building on a youth-led movement that quickly gained traction.
Protesters demanded the resignation of President William Ruto, who faces pressure from both international lenders and citizens struggling with rising living costs.
In Nairobi, police fired tear gas in the Central Business District and Kibera, while hundreds marched in Mombasa, Kisumu, and other towns.
A generally festive atmosphere marked the early hours of the protests, with music, flag-waving, and peaceful demonstrations, despite occasional clashes with police.
Protesters expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the economy. Sonia, a 37-year-old digital marketer, noted, “This is my first protest… it’s really affecting my business.”
Despite government concessions to amend the finance bill, protesters remained unsatisfied, demanding the bill’s complete removal. The finance ministry warned that removing the proposed taxes would create a significant budget deficit.
“We won’t relent. It’s the government that is going to back off. Not us,” said protester Hussein Ali, 18.
