How police foiled anti-Finance Bill demos in Nairobi
Police on Tuesday arrested several people who took to the streets of Nairobi to demonstrate against the Finance Bill, 2023.
The peaceful demonstration started at the Kenya National Archives, before the protesters headed towards Parliament Buildings.
However, they were intercepted by police officers at Harembee Avenue where the officers fired tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Several protesters were arrested following confrontation with the police that lasted less than an hour.
Among the issues the protesters raised is the high cost of living, rising prices of basic commodities and what they termed as “forced taxes” that will come with the 2023 Finance Bill.
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“Down down Finance Bill! We are saying no to the Finance Bill! We have the right to demonstrate!,” the protesters chanted as they clashed with police.
Earlier on, the police foiled a planned rally at Jeevanjee Gardens which they said was no-go zone for members of the public.
This comes as Members of Parliament return from recess and are expected to debate the Finance Bill report.
Opposition MPs have vowed to kill the bill, saying it will overburden Kenyans with the introduction of the Housing Fund levy.
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Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has directed opposition MPs to reject the Bill in its entirety while asking his supporters to note down MPs who will vote for the bill.
Contrary to the opposition’s view, President William Ruto has said MPs who will vote against the Bill will be voting against the government’s plans to build affordable houses for Kenyans.
The president has also said the bill is people-centred and will greatly boost the economy, create jobs and increase incomes.
President Ruto has also urged MPs not to bow to pressure from the opposition to vote against the interests of the people.
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