Kenya Tax Attacks … Violence against protests about cost of food

Faced with record high foreign debt, Kenya’s government passed a new finance bill to raise taxes. Part of it has been paused by the Supreme Court, but the increase in the fuel levy has now been imposed. A 100% increase in fuel tax affects everything from food to transport and beyond – devastating the nation’s poorest (of whom there are many). Spontaneous demonstrations and protests, and an opposition-party-called 3 day demonstration have all been met with police brutality – despite a right to protest being in Kenya’s Constitution. Interviews cover politics and logistics of demonstrating and alternative means to get the point across. 

Naila Abdullah is a community activist with Sisters for Justice. Harriet Muganda, works with a broad coalition called the Fast Action Movement. 

Credits: Interviews by Diana Wanyonyi. Script and editing. Frieda Werden.