The Bungoma anti-finance Bill protest turned ugly after a man was beaten up by the protesters after he tried interfering with the demonstrations.
The reports indicate that he was hired by some politicians to block the youth’s demonstrations.
Another protester was shot by the anti-riot police officer in Bungoma town after hours of running battle, he was rushed to hospital for medical attention.
In the video seen by the Star, the man was heard mentioning the names of senior politicians who allegedly hired him.
The protesters destroyed the Madaraka Day posters and banners along the dual-carriageway and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s road signage.
In Bungoma town, traffic was disrupted for hours as youths peacefully protested.
The youths marched from St. Damiano along Bungoma-Mumias Road to Kanduyi and back, chanting anti-government slogans.
Police officers patroling Bungoma town after hours of running battles with protesters.
Police officers patroling Bungoma town after hours of running battles with protesters. Image: TONY WAFULA
The protesters were however peaceful and did not interfere with businesses and motorists in their demonstrations.
“We are angered by the continuous increase in taxation. Life is already hard for one to impose more taxes on Kenyans,” said Barbra Werimo, one of the protesters.
“It is even more outrageous to set aside Sh 600 million to renovate top residences when learners in the rural set up lack proper classes and our healthcare system is in shambles,” she added.
Some expressed their disappointment in their local leaders for backing the finance bill terming it a betrayal to their electorate.
“Our members of parliament don’t have our interests at heart, because we can’t be saying no to bills and they go ahead and vote yes, this simply means they are serving their interests,” said Melody Wepukhulu.
She added;
“The taxation in freehold land takes us back to the colonial area. Why should I struggle to buy land only to end up paying for it in taxes, the president is too much.”
By Star