Kenya Protests: At Least 5 Dead, Parliament Set Ablaze Over Unpopular Finance Bill

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Protests against Kenya's finance bill turned deadly, with at least 5 killed and hundreds injured. Protesters demand the bill's scrapping, while the government claims it's necessary to address debt and deficit. Tensions remain high, with international calls for restraint.

 

Protests against Kenya's controversial finance bill have turned deadly, with at least five people killed and hundreds injured. The bill, which proposes significant tax increases on basic items, has been met with widespread opposition. Here are the key points:

- Protests turned violent on Tuesday, with police firing live rounds at demonstrators and part of the parliament building set on fire.
- At least five people have died, with hundreds injured, according to reports.
- The finance bill proposes a 16% sales tax on bread, 25% duty on cooking oil, and increased taxes on financial transactions and vehicle ownership.
- The government has dropped some contentious proposals, including the tax on bread and cooking oil, but protesters want the entire bill scrapped.
- The eco levy, which would apply to products that contribute to waste and harm the environment, has been amended to apply only to imported products.
- The bill also introduces a 16% tax on goods and services for specialized hospitals and increases import taxes from 2.5% to 3%.
- Protesters say the changes would lead to higher prices for essential items, including sanitary pads and imported products.
- The government claims the changes are necessary to pay interest on the national debt, reduce the budget deficit, and keep the government running.

The situation remains tense, with protesters demanding the bill be scrapped entirely. The government's response has been criticized by many, with some accusing President William Ruto of acting above the law. The international community has called for restraint and peaceful demonstrations.

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