Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed readiness for dialogue with the thousands of young Kenyans who protested this week against proposed tax hikes. In his first public remarks on the matter, Ruto commended the protesters for their democratic engagement and expressed a desire to collaborate on addressing their concerns.
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The protests, led predominantly by Gen-Z activists who livestreamed the events, took the government by surprise as dissatisfaction with Ruto’s economic policies escalated. Demonstrations began in Nairobi on June 18, 2024, and spread nationwide, culminating in a call for a national strike on June 25. The unrest resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters.
Despite the mostly peaceful nature of the protests, confrontations with police occurred as demonstrators gathered near Parliament. Rights campaigners reported that officers employed forceful tactics, leading to clashes throughout the day.
Ruto’s administration has defended the proposed tax increases as essential for reducing external debt and boosting government revenue. However, the policy has sparked a significant backlash among young Kenyans, who argue that the tax burden is excessive and will exacerbate economic hardships.
The government’s commitment to addressing these grievances through open dialogue will be critical in resolving the current tensions and fostering a cooperative approach to Kenya’s fiscal challenges.
