Dozens of protesters were arrested by police in Nairobi streets as a segment of Kenyan citizens demonstrated against the Finance Bill, 2024.
The bill has ignited considerable public outcry, with critics contending that it will place undue financial strains on citizens already facing economic challenges. Police, dressed in plain clothes, apprehended protesters who were gathering at different meeting points within the Central Business District.
Individuals who tried to assemble outside locations such as the National Centre, National Archives, Kencom, and Jeevanjee grounds were promptly taken into custody. They were transported to various police stations across the city as law enforcement intensified patrols in Nairobi.
“Please leave me alone, I am tired with this taxation,” yelled one of the female demonstrators arrested by police.
The women who had tried to resist boarding the police Landcruiser were pushed inside by an armed police officer in civilian clothing around Kimathi Street.
“This country belongs to all of us, stop taxing bread and diapers, remove tax on wheelchairs and milk powder,” another protestor said.
He, too, was arrested as police cracked down on protesters in Nairobi, shortly after they had banned the demonstrations. The organizers of the protest, dubbed ‘Occupy Parliament,’ had asserted they were prepared for a peaceful march and had fulfilled all the necessary requirements.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei dismissed any plans for organizing protests in Nairobi, stating that it was illegal.
Bungei mentioned that no one had applied for a gathering or picketing permit as expected, deeming the protest illegal and prohibited.
He further stated that they had received a ‘faulty’ document dated June last year, which did not meet the threshold for protest permission.
“The notification they left at Central is dated June 17, 2023. It is faulty. We can’t allow them. No demonstration.”
“Kenyans should be allowed to do their business and those with grievances should direct them where they know well.”
