Tensions escalated on the streets of Nairobi today as police officers deployed teargas canisters to disperse a large gathering of protesters who vehemently oppose the Finance Bill 2023.

The demonstrators, numbering in the hundreds, had assembled at Jevanjee Gardens and embarked on a march towards the parliament buildings in the city centre.

With placards held high, bearing messages of discontent, the protesters made their way through Nairobi's Central Business District, their voices resonating with chants of "Down! Down! Finance Bill!"

The scene was charged with fervour as citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the controversial legislation, demanding a reconsideration of its provisions.

However, what began as a peaceful demonstration quickly turned confrontational as clashes between the protesters and law enforcement ensued.

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Police officers, tasked with maintaining public order, resorted to arrests following intense scuffles that unfolded on the streets of Kenya's capital.

Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi had earlier called for the peaceful protest, urging fellow Kenyans to unite against what he referred to as "tax slavery."

In a statement released via his social media prior to the march, Mwangi emphasized the importance of citizen participation and encouraged demonstrators to bring essential items such as flags, whistles, placards, and water, ensuring their voices would be heard.

“There is a peaceful protest tomorrow to Reject The FinanceBill 2023. The assembly point is Jevanjee Gardens. The police have been notified and they are supposed to provide security. Carry a flag, whistle, placard, water and let your voice be heard. Say no to tax slavery,” Mwangi wrote.

Despite the notification given to the police, tensions boiled over, leading to a forceful response by law enforcement authorities.

Teargas canisters were launched into the air, engulfing the area in a thick cloud of gas, dispersing the protesters and leaving many gasping for breath.

The clashes mark a critical moment in Kenya's ongoing debate over the Finance Bill 2023. The proposed legislation has garnered significant attention due to its potential impact on citizens' financial well-being and the broader economy.

Critics argue that the bill unfairly burdens the working class and exacerbates economic inequality, while proponents maintain that it is necessary for national development and fiscal stability.