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. Featured speakers are Naila Abdullah, a community activist with Sisters for Justice and Harriet Muganda, who works with a broad coalition called the Fast Action Movement.

The Women’s International News Gathering Service (WINGS) has been covering the global women’s movement and related issues for community radio since 1986. WINGS may be contacted at  [email protected].

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