Tuesday's protests against the tax rises proposed by the Finance Bill were noisy and disruptive but largely peaceful. This was a big step forward for Kenya's fledgling democracy.
Police fired teargas and arrested 200 people but this was largely because of a heavy-handed security approach rather than violence or destructive behaviour by the demonstrators. No shops were looted and no property damaged.
The young protestors were visually dynamic carrying placards with ambiguous slogans like 'Imperialism is a crime against humanity' and socially modern coordinating through mobile phones.
Kenya Kwanza and the Finance Committee appear to have backed down by withdrawing various tax proposals from the Finance Bill such as the proposed motor vehicle tax and VAT on bread. But other bigger tax rises for healthcare and NSSF remain in place.
So these demos had little or no effect on the new tax regime that is so unpopular with the masses. Nevertheless they have set an important precedent that demos do not have to be accompanied by looting and running street battles. This was responsible democracy in action that should be respected by both the police and the government.
Quote of the day: "Greatness comes from fear. Fear can either shut us down and we go home, or we fight through it."
Lionel Richie
The American singer was born on June 20, 1949
