Anti-tax protesters in Kenya are in shock after a 29-year-old man was killed during nationwide demonstrations against a new finance bill.
Rex Kanyike Masai, who was protesting on Thursday in the centre of Nairobi, died of gunshot wounds at a hospital in the country’s capital – Nairobi
Amnesty International has accused the police of using excessive force to contain protesters, many of whom have been arrested.
When the protests, dubbed “Occupy Parliament”, began on Tuesday, the public outcry forced the government to withdraw some of the contentious proposals, including a 16% tax on bread and an annual 2.5% tax on vehicles.
However, the move has not stemmed the anger of the mainly youthful protesters, whose anger is aimed at the government of President William Ruto.
Since becoming President, Ruto has introduced several new and unpopular taxes, which critics say stifle economic growth and lead to job losses.