#TrendsArena: #RejectFinanceBill2024 trends as Kenyans protest over excessive tax hikes

Kenya’s social media space is trending with the hashtag, #RejectFinanceBill2024, following an ongoing protest by some citizens to push their demand against what they say is excessive taxation by the government. 

Reject Finance bill Kenya
Protestors demonstrate against proposed taxes in the Finance Bill in Nairobi, on June 19.Photographer: James Wakibia /Sopa Images/Sipa/AP Photos

Kenya’s social media space is trending with the hashtag, #RejectFinanceBill2024, following an ongoing protest by some citizens to push their demand against what they say is excessive taxation by the government.

The cash-strapped East African nation had agreed to make some concessions regarding the tax hikes on Tuesday, June 18. Amidst chants and singing, hundreds of young protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against the hikes, leading to clashes with the police in the capital, Nairobi.

Despite this, reports suggest that President William Ruto’s government will proceed with the implementation of the tax hikes.

According to CNN’s International Correspondent Larry Madowo, the protesters have clashed with the police in the capital while the country’s parliament house has seen it security increased.

With over 1.5 million posts, Kenyans on social media are reacting to the hardship faced in the country and ill treatment towards citizens. Meanwhile, Some protestors have also been arrested by the police.

See some of the reactions below:

 

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