Amid protests and massive public outcry, Kenyan authorities reversed some proposed taxes contained in its new finance bill.

Protesters stormed the streets of Nairobi, shutting down the parliament on Tuesday over the finance bill that proposes some taxes on cars, including 16 per cent tax on bread.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Chairman of the parliament finance committee, Kuria Kimani, announced reversal of the taxes to douse tension in the country. President Williams Ruto and other lawmakers were at the press conference.

To settle Kenya’s national debt estimated to be about $80 billion, reduce borrowings and boost revenue, Mr Ruto introduced several taxes since he assumed office in 2022.

The latest tax hike sparked widespread protests as Kenyans lamented the high cost of living, while police clamped down on protesters, arresting over 200 of them.

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International Kenya, in a statement circulated on X, condemned brutal clampdown and arrest of protesters.

The human rights organisation in a statement on Tuesday said it was “Deeply alarmed and outraged by the mass arrests and detention of at least 283 peaceful protestors. They include 263 citizens, 4 journalists and 16 staff members observing the #Occupy Parliament protest this morning. Two peaceful protesters have been injured in the process.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and observers. We call on the (police) to uphold its duty to protect and respect the rights of Kenyan citizens to assemble peacefully.”