On the Foreign News
Kenya’s President William Ruto has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with thousands of young protesters who demonstrated nationwide this week against proposed tax increases.
Protests, led predominantly by Gen-Z Kenyans and livestreamed on social media, have caught the government off guard as discontent over Ruto’s economic policies mounts.
Protesters in Nairobi and across the country have called for a national strike on June 25.
In a statement shared by the presidency spokesman Hussein Mohamed, Ruto praised the young protesters for their civic engagement, saying that the young people have stepped forward to engage on the affairs of their country. He said they have done their democratic duty, to stand and be recognized.
The President assured that there would be a conversation to address their issues and work together as a nation.
Thursday’s demonstrations in Nairobi resulted in two deaths and dozens of injuries, according to rights campaigners. While mostly peaceful, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds near the parliament.
The demonstrations, which began in Nairobi on Tuesday, have now spread nationwide. The protesters are opposing the Finance Bill 2024, which proposes significant tax hikes.
Ruto’s administration have argued that the tax increases are necessary to fill the country’s coffers and reduce dependence on external borrowing.
0
0
