Again, Protests erupt in Kenya over rising costs of living, tax hikes

Once again, protests have erupted in Nairobi and other significant Kenyan cities, resulting in widespread disruptions and a halt to businesses.

This marks the second wave of protests within a week, further exacerbating the tense situation in the country.

During the protests, the police tragically killed six people while wounding and hospitalising many others. The police officer indicated that those who died were shot for distrupting businesses.

Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, has called for weekly nationwide rallies and acts of civil disobedience against the administration of President William Ruto. Odinga’s demands are in response to the recent increase in the cost of living and the government’s new taxes.

President Ruto inherited a failing economy that was plagued by debt, inflation, and a weakening national currency when he took office in September of the previous year.

The government claims that in order to manage growing debt repayments and boost employment prospects, it is necessary to enact greater taxes, including a surcharge for affordable housing and an enhanced gasoline tax.

Protesters expressed their frustration with the current state of affairs, emphasising their independent decision to take to the streets.

The protests led to confrontations along the highway connecting Nairobi to the main airport, with demonstrators setting bonfires and disrupting toll collection at multiple stations. In one incident, tear gas was sprayed inside a school in Kangemi, on the outskirts of Nairobi, resulting in the hospitalisation of three students.

During Friday’s protests against the tax levies, at least six individuals lost their lives. Although Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspended the implementation of the Act pending a judicial challenge, the government proceeded to raise gasoline prices.

Raila Odinga, who called for the demonstrations, is scheduled to address his supporters in Nairobi despite finishing second in the last five presidential elections, including the one against Ruto last year, Odinga remains a prominent figure, leading demonstrations against the rising cost of living and alleged electoral irregularities.