A man has died and 200 others have been injured in widespread protests against proposed tax hikes in Kenya. The demonstrations, which began in Nairobi on Tuesday and spread nationwide, have seen significant participation from young Kenyans frustrated with President William Ruto’s economic policies amid a cost-of-living crisis.
The police watchdog, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), is investigating allegations that the man, a 29-year-old, was shot by police during Thursday's protests in Nairobi. Reports indicate the man was taken to the hospital with a thigh injury and later succumbed to his wounds.
Witnesses claim the shooter was a plainclothes officer accompanying police. Amnesty International Kenya has called for a thorough investigation.
The protests, which were mostly peaceful, were met with tear gas and water cannons by police. Thousands marched in cities across Kenya, including Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret. The demonstrations continued despite the government’s decision to roll back some tax hikes proposed in a new bill, including levies on bread purchases, car ownership, and financial services. However, the administration plans to raise fuel prices and export taxes to offset a projected budget shortfall.
Kenya's economy, one of the most dynamic in East Africa, is grappling with high inflation, affecting a significant portion of its 51.5 million citizens, a third of whom live in poverty. The proposed taxes were intended to reduce the budget deficit but have sparked widespread discontent and unrest.
