Activists arrested for protesting against tax hikes, attempting to launch Mwananchi Bill

A group of activists under 'The Concerned Citizens Kenya' and 'Linda Jamii' initiatives were on Saturday dispersed and arrested as they protested higher taxes imposed on Kenyans and what they called the Executive's impunity in the running of the country.

The group marched from Kaloleni social hall to the Treasury and was headed to Parliament buildings when police dispersed them by arresting some among them.

The activists were set to launch what they called the Mwananchi Bill, which they said was an answer to the Finance Bill 2024 and sought to oppose high taxes levied on Kenyans by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Four people, among them advocate Linda Jamii founder Prof. Fred Ogola, were arrested and two motorcycles impounded by the police.

“I am willing to go anywhere for the sake of this country. If this is how you treat people, take me even to hell today, I will go,” said Prof. Ogola.

“I took my time, wrote a letter, gave the police, the Regional Officer said ‘received.’ Then you come and put pingu on my hand, what is a pingu? You can tie my hand but you can’t tie my head...you can’t tie my spirit.”