Protesters continued in Kenya again on Thursday, with some calling for President William Ruto’s resignation despite his recent decision to scrap a controversial tax bill which critics argued would sharply increase living costs.
Though smaller than Tuesday’s large turnout, the demonstrations in Nairobi were still marked by tension following violent clashes earlier in the week, where rights groups reported at least 23 fatalities and over 300 injuries amid clashes with police using tear gas and bullets.
On Tuesday, tens of thousands had flooded Nairobi’s city center as lawmakers debated and passed the contentious legislation. The situation deteriorated into violence as demonstrators stormed buildings and set parts ablaze.
Until Wednesday’s announcement that he would not sign the finance bill, President Ruto had defended its measures as crucial for boosting revenue and preventing debt default.
Despite modifications to the proposed taxes, many activists and opposition lawmakers remained unsatisfied, rejecting the bill outright.
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Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged Kenyans to refrain from further street protests, warning against actions that could destabilize the country. Meanwhile, in Kisumu, police thwarted attempts by protesters to reach the president’s residence, resulting in disruptions to normal city activities.
