Mass protests in Kenya against tax increases
INTERNATIONAL – AFRICA
18 SEPTEMBER 2025
- A series of decentralized Gen Z mass protests were witnessed in Kenya against tax increases in the Finance Bill 2024.
- They mobilized using social media platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram.
- Peaceful protests began on 18 June 2024 in Nairobi, spreading to other parts of the country, leading to widely condemned arrests.
- Protestors stormed the Kenyan Parliament, leading to clashes with police that resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries.
- Though President William Ruto reportedly rejected the Bill on 28 June, 2024; signed into law the “Appropriations Bill 2024” to address the budget shortfall caused by the rejection, protests escalated into riots on 2 July 2024, as demonstrators demanded Ruto’s resignation.

