Kenya On Fire: Parliament Set Ablaze As Furious Protesters Revolt Against Harsh New Taxes

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from Great Game India:

Nairobi has erupted into chaos as angry Kenyans protest harsh new taxes and an eco-austerity program, leading to the burning of the parliament building. Lawmakers escaped through a tunnel after voting to pass the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which raises prices on essential goods like diapers and electronics. The situation turned violent, with police using live fire and tear gas, resulting in deaths and injuries. President William Ruto, currently out of the city, praised the youth’s enthusiasm, but the violence continues amid reports of abductions by security forces. The crisis reflects a broader pattern of international economic pressure causing local unrest.

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Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, has degenerated into violence and mayhem as Kenyans incensed by new tax policies and the government’s harsh ‘Eco-Austerity’ program have set fire to the parliament building.

Legislators are fleeing after the anti-tax demonstrators first entered parliament. They swiftly overpowered police after MPs voted to support a measure introducing new national levies, including an eco-levy that raises the price of basic commodities like diapers, as part of attempts to reduce waste and become more environmentally friendly.

Kenya On Fire: Parliament Set Ablaze As Furious Protesters Revolt Against Harsh New Taxes 2
Via AP

Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024 contains the new taxes, which have a direct impact on imports, prices, and sales of diapers, batteries/dry cells, smartphones, earphones, clocks, radios, TV sets, cameras, staplers, printers, calculators, photocopying machines, keyboards, mice, projectors, and LCD monitors.

The rigorous Eco Levy has a significant influence on those planning to import plastics into the Kenyan market, imposing a high price per kg on the products.

While entering parliament, protesters chanted, “We’re coming for every politician.” There are widespread reports that police have begun to use live fire against the crowds, in addition to riot control methods such as tear gas.

President William Ruto is currently attending an African Union event outside of the capital, although he has attempted to strike a conciliatory tone, applauding the enthusiasm of the youth, who are mostly responsible for the demonstrations.

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