Kenya, known for its stability, has been rocked by unprecedented protests. The capital city, Nairobi, witnessed chaotic scenes as part of the parliament building burned, protesters clashed with police, and lawmakers fled. The streets were strewn with bodies, and medical workers reported police gunfire. The military was deployed to quell the unrest.
The Finance Bill: A Powder Keg
The catalyst for this turmoil is the controversial finance bill. The government aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in domestic revenue through taxes and fees. However, Kenyans view these measures as punitive, given their already high cost of living. The bill targets everyday essentials, including internet data, fuel, bank transfers, and even diapers. Angry citizens have taken to the streets, demanding that lawmakers reject the bill.
Youth-Led Protests Spread Across Kenya
Young Kenyans, mobilized through social media, have spearheaded peaceful demonstrations. Their goal: force authorities to abandon the finance bill. The protests began on June 18, starting in Nairobi and spreading to other cities like Mombasa and Eldoret. Eldoret, a Rift Valley stronghold for President William Ruto, surprised many by joining the dissent.
Ruto’s Dilemma
President Ruto, who rode to power on a populist platform, now faces a crisis. His appeal as a “hustler” championing economic relief has waned. Kenyans mockingly refer to him as “Zakayo,” a biblical tax collector. Despite religious leaders labeling the bill “unwarranted,” lawmakers passed it. Ruto’s decision to sign it remains a point of contention.