Kenya has been witnessing violent protests across the nation and incidents of mass robbery are taking place in the country. On Thursday, Kenyan police fired teargas at dozens of protesters and blocked off several streets leading to the presidential palace as rallies resumed despite President William Ruto deciding to withdraw a controversial tax hike bill seeking to introduce new taxes. The violence in the country has erupted due to Kenya's tax bill sparked an outpouring of anger, particularly among the Kenyan youth, that resulted in violent protests on Tuesday which killed 23 people.
In the guise of protest, hundreds of people recently stormed inside Ongata Rongai supermarket and carried out loot in the city. In response, several people were shot by police, with initial reports that at least three are dead after a rioting crowd broke into and looted the Clean Shelf Supermarket in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, on Thursday night.
As per African media reports, at least 50 people have been arrested in a sting operation. The looters took advantage of protests against the Kenya Finance Bill, 2024 in the area to loot and vandalise shops.
Now, Ongata Rongai Supermarket loot video is going viral on social media. Not only this, when a user enters the keyword Ongata Rongai, there are multiple sensitive photos are emerging on the micro-blogging website outlining the strict Police action.
What was wrong with Kenya Financial Bill 2024?
For those who do not know, in the 2024/25 bill, the Kenyan government in its now scrapped bill aimed to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. Kenya's public debt stands at 68% of GDP, higher than the 55% of GDP recommended by the World Bank and the IMF. The government has said the tax measures are necessary to fund development programmes and cut public debt.
The proposed measures that have triggered protests include new levies on basic commodities like bread, vegetable oil, and sugar and a new motor vehicle circulation tax - pegged at 2.5 percent of the value of a car to be paid annually. An "eco levy" on most manufactured goods including sanitary towels and diapers is also on the cards.
The protesters especially the youths opposed tax rises in a country already reeling from a cost-of-living crisis, and many are also calling for President William Ruto to step down.
Amid the violent protests, Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday urged the young protesters to call off planned protests and give dialogue a chance. While some accepted the government's requesting, there are people who are firm on seeing William Ruto's resignation.