100 demonstrators clashed with police in a low-income neighbourhood of Nairobi on Wednesday as a three-day series of protests against the rising cost of living and tax increases commenced in Kenya.
The protest, held in the flashpoint neighbourhood of Kibera, saw demonstrators throwing rocks and setting tires ablaze, prompting a response from law enforcement in the form of tear gas volleys.
Throughout the city center, many businesses remained closed, and police established checkpoints on roads leading to the State House.
Reports from the Nation newspaper indicated that suspected protesters were arrested in Homa Bay, located in the western part of the country.
This wave of demonstrations follows two previous instances earlier this month that turned violent when police deployed tear gas and, in some cases, live rounds against the crowds, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and numerous arrests.
The call for protests came from Kenya’s opposition, partly in response to recent tax hikes approved by President William Ruto’s government. Despite being elected last August with promises of championing the interests of the poor, his administration has seen a surge in the prices of essential commodities.
The government has defended the necessity of fuel and housing levies, aimed at generating an additional 200 billion shillings ($1.4 billion) annually, citing the need to address mounting debt repayments and fund job-creation initiatives.
While churches and civil rights groups have urged President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to resolve their differences through dialogue and halt the protests, tensions remain high between the two leaders.
President Ruto, last week, firmly declared that the planned protests would not be allowed, but offered no specifics on how he intends to prevent them, which are continually organized by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto accused Odinga of exploiting economic discontent to further his personal political ambitions. Meanwhile, Odinga, who has been unsuccessful in previous presidential elections, has secured influential positions in the government through deals with those in power following periods of unrest.
The grievances behind the protests are exacerbated by the significant increase in food prices over the last 12 months. Staple foods such as maize, grain, and flour have surged by up to 30%, while rice and potatoes have seen nearly a 20% increase, and sugar costs nearly 60% more.
Despite the mounting economic challenges, the government has implemented various tax measures, temporarily suspended by a court, including doubling the value-added tax on fuel products and introducing a 1.5% housing levy on employees’ salaries, with an equal contribution from employers.
Kenya’s high debts have become a major concern, and the weakened exchange rate against the US dollar has made debt repayments more burdensome.
Amidst the unrest, there are differing views on the necessity of higher taxes. Some, like accountant Jane Njeri, acknowledge the government’s need for revenue to address the country’s debt situation, but others, like economist Ken Gichinga, emphasize the importance of stimulating private-sector growth rather than relying solely on consumption taxes.
Religious leaders have also joined the conversation, expressing concern over the growing despair among individual Kenyans and urging the president to avoid a path that could lead to further unrest and insurrection.
The situation remains tense, with the public divided on the efficacy of protests as a means of seeking change. Some argue that open dialogue between the delegates and the president could be a more constructive approach to resolving grievances rather than resorting to frequent protests.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how President Ruto will respond to the mounting pressure and whether a more inclusive approach to addressing the public’s concerns will be adopted. In the meantime, the situation remains sensitive, with potential implications for the country’s stability and future direction.
