Across Kenya, thousands of mostly young citizens are protesting against tax proposals tabled by President William Ruto’s administration in its annual budget legislation. Using hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament, protesters have held demonstrations against the finance bill since 18 June 2024. They believe its proposals burden salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs and consumers. They argue that it goes against Ruto’s campaign promise to place the poor at the centre of economic policy, reduce taxes and lower the cost of living.
In response to the protests, however, the police have used teargas, batons and water cannons to disperse people. Two protesters have so far died and hundreds have been injured. John Mukum Mbaku has studied the application of human rights laws in Africa, including Kenya, for over three decades. We asked him some questions on the right to protest in Kenya.
