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Over 200 injured, 1 killed from Kenya’s tax demonstrations

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A coalition of rights groups and the police watchdog stated that during Thursday’s statewide protests against the government’s plans to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes, one person was killed and at least 200 people were hurt throughout Kenya.

The five human rights organizations, which include Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, said in a joint statement late on Thursday that police used water cannons and tear gas to scatter protestors in Nairobi’s capital.

They said that the presence of expended cartridges suggested the use of live ammunition and that over 100 demonstrators had been taken into custody throughout Kenya.

The man’s death was reported by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Friday, “allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers.”

According to a police report seen by Reuters, the 29-year-old guy passed away on Thursday night at a hospital while receiving treatment for a wound on his thigh. How he was hurt was not mentioned in the report.

Adamson Bungei, the commander of Nairobi County police, did not pick up the phone.

“We commend the several thousands of protesters, many of whom are youthful, for picketing peacefully (and) exhibiting restraint and decorum despite provocation by police,” the rights groups said.

Protesters claim the government should scrap its financing bill entirely because it will stifle the economy and drive up living expenses for Kenyans who are already having a hard time getting by.

However, to lower the budget deficit and state borrowing, the government must raise revenues, according to the International Monetary Fund.

President William Ruto endorsed recommendations earlier this week to remove some of the additional taxes, including those on financial transactions, bread, cooking oil, and car ownership, signalling a slight softening of the government’s stance.

The disputed tax plans are now moving on to the next round of approval because lawmakers approved the finance bill on Thursday during its second reading, in spite of the large protests that occurred in 19 of Kenya’s 47 counties.

The proposed modifications to the bill, which the parliament’s budget committee claims would blow a 200 billion Kenyan shilling ($1.56 billion) hole in the 2024–25 budget and force the government to undertake spending cuts, are set to be put to a vote by lawmakers on Tuesday.

 

Metro

Zambian revenue agency warns businesses to pay tax arrears or face sanctions

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The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has warned businesses and taxpayers to settle their outstanding tax arrears on or before December 31, 2024, or stand the risk of facing stiff sanctions, including interest charges.

Oliver Nzala, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, who gave the warning, advised taxpayers experiencing cash flow challenges to consider entering a Time to Pay Agreement (TPA) with the Commission to avoid penalties.

He noted that the flexible arrangement would allow them to spread their tax payments over monthly installments, easing the burden of settling the arrears in one lump sum.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Nzala reminded businesses that tax compliance was mandatory for renewing trading licenses and permits with local councils in 2025.

“As the financial year draws to a close, taxpayers must fulfill obligations such as submitting tax returns and paying outstanding taxes to avoid penalties,” Nzala said.

He added that support would be available for taxpayers approaching the December 31 deadline while encouraging taxpayers to act promptly to avoid the end-of-year rush, emphasizing that failing to meet the deadline could lead to accumulating interest on any unpaid amounts.

“To provide extra support, ZRA service centers and contact lines are open, ready to assist taxpayers,” he said, while extending appreciation to those who contribute to national development through their tax payments.

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President Tinubu congratulates Trump on US election victory

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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has congratulated USA president-elect, Donald Trump, on his electoral victory after defeating vice president Kamala Harris to stage a return to the White House.

Tinubu, who conveyed the congratulatory message in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he looked forward to working with him and further strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States.

The statement reads:

“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

“President Tinubu looks forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

“President Tinubu says, ‘Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.’

“According to President Tinubu, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He congratulates them on their commitment to democracy.

“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.

“Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.”

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