It began with a tax Bill — and ended in bloodshed. When President William Ruto forced the Finance Bill 2024 through Parliament despite growing public opposition, he did more than raise taxes, he ignited Kenya’s most intense youth-led protests in decades.

The backlash has rattled his administration and exposed deep national rifts, seen through a rebelling Church, Gen Z, dissenting politicians, and professionals battered by high taxes and soaring living costs.