Thousands of mostly young people demonstrated in Kenya's capital and across the country against new tax proposals by the administration of President William Ruto in its annual budget legislation. The protests brought Nairobi's central business district to a standstill as riot police used tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators who advanced towards parliament buildings where lawmakers debated the finance bill.
The protesters are demanding that lawmakers vote against the legislation, which they believe will be burdensome for salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs, and consumers. The proposed taxes include a 2.75% levy on income for the national medical insurance plan, as well as increased taxes on vegetable oil and fuel, which could raise production costs and impact consumers.
