Protests over police killing in Kenya as gov't presents budget

Kenyan security forces fired tear gas Thursday against protesters angry over a police killing, threatening to overshadow the government's attempts to pass a budget without sparking unrest.

The government carefully prepared its new finance bill with the aim of avoiding the massive protests over tax hikes that engulfed Kenya a year ago.

But the killing of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody last weekend, after he was arrested for criticising a senior officer online, has reawakened anger over police brutality in the east African country.

"You can't kill one of us in prison and then expect us to just lie down," said Tiffany, 22, a protester in Nairobi's business district who gave only her first name.

Hundreds of protesters were spread in small groups across Nairobi's business district, with some throwing rocks at police who fired back with tear gas, while at least two cars were set alight.

AFP reporters saw at least three people wounded by rubber bullets, with one taken to hospital.

The unrest was limited compared to the protests last year that peaked when thousands stormed parliament on June 25, forcing President William Ruto to cancel a finance bill that would have raised taxes on many everyday items.

At least 60 people were killed in the weeks of youth-led protests in June and July 2024, and rights groups say dozens more were illegally detained by security forces in the aftermath.

The east African nation is a regional economic powerhouse but tensions have simmered over a rising cost of living, a stagnant job market and rights abuses.

This year, the government played it safe with its finance bill, focusing tax hikes on businesses rather than consumers.

Finance Minister John Mbadi acknowledged last year's protests had highlighted "the importance of values and principles of governance" and called for a minute of silence in parliament for protesters who lost their lives.

"To win public trust, we have strengthened public participation in all policy formulation, including the budget-making process," he said, referring to a new online portal in which citizens could give their views.

But there was anger last month when a software designer was arrested for creating her own website that criticised the budget and allowed people to email the government with complaints.

- 'Avoid controversy' -

Kenya faces a daunting task in boosting social services and investment at a time when its heavy debts mean interest payments outweigh its spending on health and education.

Analysts say the new budget is unlikely to provoke the public anger of last year.

It seeks to boost revenues by cutting government spending and closing tax loopholes, though critics say it still includes backdoor price increases and will hurt small businesses.

"This year's finance bill is, in comparison to last year's, very much seeking to avoid controversy," said Patricia Rodrigues, of global consultancy Control Risks.

But businesses will be impacted by increases in income taxes and social contributions, she said.

In a difficult global environment, the World Bank has reduced its growth projections for Kenya from 5.0 to 4.5 percent in 2025.

Ojwang, the teacher killed in police custody, was arrested for criticising deputy inspector-general Eliud Kipkoech Lagat in online posts.

"What we are demanding is for the deputy inspector general to resign, and then he should be arrested," said protester Anami Daudi Toure, 27, on Thursday.