Violent clashes between police and protestors have erupted in Nairobi, Kenya as the government votes on a controversial finance bill. The situation on the ground has been described as chaotic, with protestors being tear-gassed by police. One journalist was reportedly injured after being hit by a canister.
Parliament in Nairobi has been sealed off, with roads blocked as lawmakers debate the Finance Bill. The proposed tax hikes in Kenya have sparked anger among citizens who are already grappling with rising living costs.
Police have been using tear gas and water cannons to disperse peaceful protestors in the city center. Some protestors, as young as 18, have expressed that they are fighting for their future.
Despite amendments made to the bill, including the suspension of certain taxes such as a 16% value-added tax on bread and a 2.5% tax on motor vehicles, protestors are demanding the complete scrapping of the bill.
Earlier in the week, mass arrests were made in Nairobi, with at least 283 individuals, including journalists, detained by the police. Civil society groups have condemned these actions.
Young Kenyans, particularly GenZs, have been using social media platforms like TikTok to amplify their message and document the protests. TikTok has transformed into a platform for social and political activism, with its live streaming feature being utilized to provide real-time updates from protest sites and showcase instances of police brutality.
