‘Not afraid to die’: Kenya tax protests inspire broader demand for change

President William Ruto has withdrawn a controversial tax bill, but protesters and their families say it’s too late. With more than 20 people killed, they want him to go too.

Nairobi, Kenya – “You can’t kill us all,” a protester shouts as heavily armed riot police charge at him.

He stands his ground, water bottle in hand, occasionally splashing water on his face, his eyes visibly irritated by tear gas smoke floating in the air and chocking police and protesters alike.

A group of protesters push forward towards him. They chant, “We are peaceful, we are peaceful.” Some raise their hands above their heads, others kneel down, intent to demonstrate the non-violent nature of the protests to the police.

Suddenly, sirens blare. Then, pink-coloured water scatters the crowd as a water canon blocks demonstrators from advancing towards Parliament Buildings.

These scenes have been played out over and over again this past week in Kenya as angry youth took to the streets to protest against a controversial tax bill, that many say would have made essential commodities costlier. President William Ruto, who advocated for the law, withdrew the bill on Wednesday evening, a day after protesters stormed Parliament.