Anti-government protests resumed in Kenya on Tuesday, with police firing tear gas at protesters in Nairobi.
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Police, who took to the streets as early as 7am, tried to push protesters out of the city centre, some of whom were openly demanding the resignation of President William Ruto. The movement of public transport near the Government House is limited, all roads leading to it remain closed, roadblocks are installed at all entrances and exits, and water cannons and fire trucks are located at the gates.
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Police fired tear gas periodically as they played a game of cat and mouse with protesters who tried to occupy the central business district.
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A new wave of protests in Kenya over government plans to increase taxes on a number of goods and services began in mid-June. Later, Agence France-Presse reported that amendments were made to the draft budget, according to which the introduction of a 16 percent value added tax on the purchase of bread, transportation of sugar, use of mobile and financial services, and transactions with foreign currency was cancelled. In addition, these amendments cancel the introduction of a 2.5% tax on motor vehicles and an excise tax on vegetable oil.
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Ruto dismissed the entire cabinet and announced the government’s readiness to begin a dialogue with the protesters. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. On June 26, Ruto said he would not sign the budget bill, which sparked widespread protests in the country. According to the latest data from the human rights organization Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 39 people have died during the protests.
