Several activists took to the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday to demonstrate against the proposed Finance Bill, 2023.
The demonstrations started at the Kenya National Archives, where the protesters sang songs against the proposed Bill before beginning their march toward Parliament Buildings.
Anti-police officers, however, intercepted them at Harambee Avenue and fired tear gas to disperse them.
Several protesters who defied the police were arrested after engaging the police in running battles.
Anti-Finance Bill 2023 protesters hold placards in Nairobi city centre as anti-riot police lob teargas canisters to disperse them.
Photo credit: Kevin Cheruiyot | Nation Media Group
Police officers arresting a demonstrator in Nairobi on June 6, 2023 who was protesting against the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Police lob teargas at demonstrators protesting against the proposed Finance bill 2023 in Nairobi on June 6, 2023.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Among the issues raised by the protesters were the high cost of living, rising commodity prices, and what they called "forced taxes" that will come with the Finance Bill 2023.
"Down down Finance Bill... we're saying no to the Finance Bill... we have the right to demonstrate," they chanted as they engaged police in running battles.
They had earlier been dispersed from the Jeevanjee Gardens rally as anti-riot police officers said the park was a no-go zone for members of the public.
Activists marching towards Parliament Buildings as they protest against the Finance Bill 2023.
Photo credit: Kevin Cheruiyot | Nation Media Group
Demonstrators take to Nairobi streets on June 5, 2023 protesting against the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Demonstrators take to Nairobi streets on June 5, 2023 protesting against the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
So far, opposition MPs have vowed to kill the bill, saying it will overburden Kenyans, particularly the introduction of the Housing Fund Levy as proposed in the bill.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, reiterated that opposition MPs will reject the proposed Bill in its entirety and has asked his supporters to note down MPs who will vote for the bill.
Contrary to the opposition's view, President William Ruto said the vote on the Finance Bill 2023 should be open so that they can monitor MPs who will vote against it, saying they will be voting against the government's plans to build houses for ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking in Narok County recently, the President said the bill was people-centred and would boost the economy, create jobs and increase incomes.
He urged MPs not to bow to pressure from the opposition to vote against the interests of the people.
