In vehement protest against the tax hike, Kenyans hit the streets on Thursday as parliament continued deliberations on the controversial Finance Bill.

In Nairobi, “Parliamentary staff rushed to basement parking at Parliament amid fears of protester wrath; comes after they approved passage of Finance Bill to next stage,” Kenyan local television station, NTV reported.

The nationwide anti-tax demonstrations, which began earlier in the week, spread to major cities and even Eldoret, President William Ruto’s hometown.

Earlier on Tuesday, Nairobi witnessed chaotic scenes as protesters disrupted parliamentary proceedings in opposition to the Finance Bill, which includes provisions such as a 16 per cent tax on bread and increased tariffs on vehicles.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the chairman of the parliament finance committee, Kuria Kimani, announced a reversal of the taxes to douse tension. Mr Ruto and other lawmakers were at the press conference.

However, protesters in Nakuru, Kisumu, Nyeri, and Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, defied police teargas and water cannons as they stormed the parliament, demanding the complete scrapping of the Finance Bill. 

“I am prepared to sacrifice everything for this struggle. My children deserve a future. I will risk injury, even death, for a better Kenya,” said @Khalifakairo on X, reflecting the determination among demonstrators. 

Another X user, @ahmedsalim, shared a video of the protests and criticised government inaction: “Is the president witnessing this? The future of Kenya is at stake. This generation demands accountability.” 

Similarly, @BrianOkoth_ tweeted, “For me, my generation, my children and a better Kenya! Impunity and tyranny must end with us!

#RejectFinanceBill2024 #RutoMustGo.”

Since taking office in 2022, Mr Ruto has introduced several tax measures to alleviate Kenya’s substantial national debt of approximately $80 billion, reduce borrowing, and bolster revenue generation.

The latest round of tax hikes has ignited widespread discontent over the soaring cost of living, prompting a forceful response from law enforcement, which has reportedly arrested over 200 protesters.