KENYA: MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE ARRESTED AFTER PROTEST OVER TAX HIKES

By Edwin F -
Kenya's government passed a new tax bill last week, setting up widespread outrage and demonstrations. More than 300 people have been detained in relation to these protests. Among other products and services, the bill increases taxes on fuel, food, and electricity.


At least nine people have died as a result of police use of live bullets and tear gas in their response. The demonstrations started on Wednesday, July 13, and they swiftly extended to a number of towns and cities around the nation. When protests became violent, people would pillage and set fire to establishments.

The administration has denounced the violence but defended the tax law as necessary to earn money for important services. Opposition leaders have vowed to continue the protests until their demands are granted.

Recent tax increases in Kenya have only made the country's already fragile economy worse. As a result, it's getting more and harder for many Kenyans to make ends meet. The protests we are seeing are a blatant manifestation of the people's increasing economic suffering and give them a platform to express their annoyance.

It's uncertain how the protests will change over the following days and weeks. However, there is no denying that the administration is up against a major obstacle. The administration must find a way to address the demonstrators' complaints in order to avoid additional unrest in the country, which has the potential to cause.


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