In a striking display of protest reminiscent of biblical tales, youth in Kisumu dramatized Thursday their opposition to the proposed tax increases under the Finance Bill.
Portraying the story of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, a group of young demonstrators gathered along Kenyatta highway street with one member perched atop a tree symbolizing Zacchaeus.
He wore back pants and a shirt decorated with black and white stripes.
While chanting and waving banners, the youth were heard pleading with President William Ruto to reconsider the tax hikes.
“Ruto shuka chini, shuka chini Ruto, Shuka chini Ruto bwana,” they pleaded.
The dramatic display of Zacchaeus descending from the tree echoed their plea for the government to 'come down' from its stance on the contentious financial measures.
After some minutes, the man who had initially defied the calls was later seen coming down from the tree as the youth received him with cheers.
The tax measures that have sparked widespread concern among citizens have attracted protests in various parts of the country.
Apart from Nairobi city which was the epicentre of the demonstrations, other towns where it was witnessed are Eldoret, Kakamega and Nyeri.
