CNN | Kenya – Ruto government scraps aspects of controversial tax bill following violent protests
The Kenyan government canceled several tax increases initially planned in its controversial finance bill after protests took to the streets on Tuesday.
Among the canceled tax hikes were a proposed 16% value-added tax (VAT) on bread, as well as proposed taxes on motor vehicles, vegetable oil and mobile money transfers, according to Kuria Kimani , Chairman of the Finance and National Planning Committee of Kenya.
“When we launched public participation on the 2024 Finance Bill, we promised that this participation would not be in vain. We have taken into account the views of Kenyans,” Kimani said during a speech at State House in Nairobi.
The changes to the finance bill were aimed at “protecting Kenyans from the rising cost of living,” Kimani added.
In a speech at State House, Kenya’s President William Ruto said he was “very pleased” that the public had considered the proposed Finance Bill and “recommended, through public participation, their sentiments , his ideas and his suggestions.
“The fact that the executive functions, that the legislature functions, that the judiciary functions, that the institutions function in Kenya, it is a country that I am very proud of, and I am proud to belong to Kenya,” stressed Ruto.
Protests broke out against the controversial bill, leading to more than 210 arrests during a “peaceful assembly” outside parliament buildings in the capital, according to the Kenya Human Rights Defenders Coalition.
The organization criticized the Kenya National Police for attempting to “silence dissent through excessive force and intimidation.”
According to Faith Odhiambo, chairperson of the Kenya Law Society Council, police used tear gas against protesters gathered outside the central police station, where they were gathered to demand the release of those arrested.
“This is sad news for @NPSOfficial_KE [Service national de la police du Kenya]. Our determination remains unchanged; we must eliminate impunity,” Odhiambo said on social media.
Kenyan government scraps elements of controversial tax bill amid protests | CNN
Similar articles
