Kenyans Protest Proposed Tax Hikes

Hundreds of Kenyans flocked to the center of the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday to protest a proposed finance bill that many fear will significantly raise their already-high cost of living by adding sweeping new taxes and increasing others on a wide range of goods and services.

Protesters wearing black T-shirts and blowing whistles and vuvuzelas gathered near the Parliament, adding to an outpouring of online anger trumpeted through hashtags and videos on TikTok. Lawmakers have also been flooded with phone calls and text messages pressuring them to reject the bill.

Police officers used tear gas and water cannons immediately after the protests began after noon local time. At least nine people were seen being detained near the Parliament and were put into police vans, and activists and lawyers said many more were in police custody. The police have not yet issued a statement on the number of arrests.

Businesses in the central business district closed their doors as police officers chased demonstrators and sirens rang through the streets.

The uproar over the legislation, which is aimed at raising more revenue, is among the most intense backlash against the government of President William Ruto, who campaigned on a platform to raise living standards for the poor when he was elected in 2022.

The protests come just weeks after Mr. Ruto returned from a state visit to the United States, where he signed several investment and development deals with the Biden administration aimed at alleviating debt and sparking long-term growth.