In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Kenyan police fired tear gas and arrested at least a dozen demonstrators in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered near parliament to voice their opposition to new tax hikes proposed in a bill set to be debated later in the day.
The East African nation, grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, is pushing for a significant increase in tax revenue to reduce its reliance on external borrowing.
However, critics argue that these measures will only exacerbate the hardships faced by citizens.
The protests, dubbed "Occupy Parliament," saw demonstrators clad in black marching towards the parliamentary building, only to be met with a barrage of tear gas from law enforcement.
Among the most contentious provisions of the bill are a new motor vehicle tax and the reintroduction of VAT on bread.
President William Ruto, who campaigned on promises of economic revival, is facing growing discontent over his policies. Despite the backlash, the bill is expected to pass due to the government's parliamentary majority.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has called for an end to the arrests, emphasizing the constitutional right to protest. As tensions mount, all eyes are on the parliament's final decision, expected before the June 30 deadline.
