NAIROBI, July 12 – Outrage over proposed tax hikes in Kenya has been exacerbated by the ostentatious lifestyles of the nation’s lawmakers, showcased on social media platforms such as TikTok and X. Luxury cars, private helicopters, and piles of cash displayed by MPs have fueled anger among a young, tech-savvy population struggling with economic hardship.
Protests against the tax measures have brought attention to the significant salaries, perks, and extravagance of MPs in a country where decent-paying jobs are scarce and three-quarters of the population is young. The discontent peaked on June 25, when protesters stormed parliament, setting it on fire and attacking fleeing politicians’ vehicles with stones. Private residences and businesses of several MPs, particularly those linked to the ruling coalition, have also been targeted.
Social media has become a powerful tool for the protests. Videos of politicians are being edited and reposted with critical commentary, and platforms are flooded with allegations of mismanaged funds and discussions on the future of the youth movement. Activists are sharing advice on using recall powers to unseat representatives and have created an AI-powered chatbot to generate reports of corruption allegations against politicians.
The lavish displays by MPs, such as ruling party MP Zaheer Jhanda’s videos flaunting luxury vehicles, have sparked particular ire. Protesters have even attempted to storm his home in Kisii. Jhanda did not respond to requests for comment.
In response to the mounting pressure, President William Ruto announced the dismissal of his entire cabinet, except for the foreign minister, in an effort to establish a new “broad-based government.” He condemned the “obnoxious opulence” of some officials and introduced austerity measures, including budget cuts to his own office and a review of upcoming pay raises for MPs and other officials.
Didmus Barasa, the ruling party MP for Kimilili, acknowledged the protesters’ valid concerns about the government’s handling of economic development but denied that MPs were overpaid. He defended his personal wealth, including a private helicopter, as the result of legitimate business activities.
Caroline Gaita, Executive Director of Mzalendo, an organization that monitors parliament, noted a re-engagement of young Kenyans in politics, aware of the impact of legislation on their lives and demanding accountability from lawmakers.
Tom Mboya, an expert on Kenyan politics and corruption, described the protests as an “awakening of Gen Z.” He noted that politicians have become bolder in flaunting their wealth since Ruto took office in 2022, despite rising taxes.
Kenya ranked 126 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, a drop of three places from 2022. Ruto’s office did not respond to requests for comment on this story.
On June 26, Ruto scrapped the tax hikes that had triggered the unrest, but the anger persists. The protests, now smaller but ongoing, transcend political and ethnic divides. There is a growing push to use recall powers introduced in 2010 to remove MPs before the 2027 elections. Voters in Kabete constituency near Nairobi have already collected half of the 10,000 signatures needed to recall their MP.
Kenyan MPs earn around 33 times the national average wage, making them among the best-paid in the world relative to average incomes. They receive additional funds for committee work, housing and vehicle loans, and travel allowances. Each MP is also allocated over $1 million annually through the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) scheme, which has faced accusations of inefficiency and embezzlement.
A Reuters analysis found that in 42 constituencies, about 1.7 billion shillings ($13 million) of CDF spending on bursaries for schoolchildren could not be fully accounted for in the 2021/22 financial year. MPs justify their high pay by claiming they are expected to distribute cash in their constituencies.
“People are angry and resent us because every weekend, helicopters crisscross the sky to functions where millions are being handed out,” said Boni Khalwale, addressing fellow senators on July 3.
