More than 200 protesters have been arrested in Nairobi, in ongoing protests against proposed tax hikes in a finance bill that is due to be tabled in parliament.
Civil society groups said that demonstrations and a planned sit-down outside parliament buildings will continue despite the arrest of 210 protesters.
Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei on Tuesday said that no group had been granted permission to protest in the capital.
The right to peaceful protests is guaranteed in the Kenyan Constitution, but organizers are required to notify the police beforehand. Police generally give a go-ahead unless there are security concerns.
Police hurled tear gas canisters at hundreds of demonstrators on Tuesday, forcing businesses to temporarily close because of fears over looting.
A lawyer, Wanjohi Gachie, said that he was protesting on behalf of all Kenyans who would be potentially burdened by the tax hikes.
“I’m requesting the police not to arrest or beat us, because we are fighting for their rights as well,” he said.
Some major tax proposals in the bill were dropped after a Tuesday morning meeting between ruling party lawmakers and President William Ruto.
The chairperson of the finance committee, Kuria Kimani, said the proposal to introduce a 16% value-added tax on bread had been dropped.
Other levies that had prompted debate and have been amended include a proposed 2.5% motor vehicle annual tax that was to be placed on insurance.
A proposed tax on goods that degrade the environment will also be amended to apply only to imported goods to encourage local manufacturing.
Rights group Amnesty Kenya said that its staff members observing the protests were arrested.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and observers,” the group said.
