Anti-tax protest turns violent in Kenya, 39 dead

Nairobi. Violent protests are taking place in Kenya against the new tax hike. So far, at least 39 people have died in this violence. There are reports that the protesters are preparing for a new stage of protest.
According to the records of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, 39 people died and 361 others were injured during the nationwide tax law protests.

Besides, 32 cases of enforced disappearance have also been registered. 627 protesters were arrested during this process.

Why is it happening?
In Kenya, the people are very angry after the government imposed new taxes. The Kenya Finance Bill 2024 was introduced this May. It is proposed to impose heavy taxes on products like breadcrumbs, cancer treatment, cooking oil, baby diapers to sanitary pads, motor vehicles, solar equipment and digital services. It is proposed to levy 16 percent sales tax on bread, 25 percent tax on cooking oil, 2.5 percent VAT on vehicles and 3 percent import duty.

Parliament set ablaze by angry mobs
All MPs present in the Kenyan parliament have supported this bill. They say it is necessary to complete government work. The government will be able to build roads across the country and hire teachers in schools with the income from increased revenue. Farmers will get subsidy on fertilizers. It is said that the country’s debt will decrease.

A vote was held on this bill in Parliament, in which 106 out of 195 MPs voted in favor of it. After the bill was passed, protests started in the whole area. When the MPs were discussing this bill in the House, the angry mob set fire to the Parliament. After that, the MPs were safely taken out of the Parliament building.