Harnessing People's Power in Kisumu

Stickers being placed on boda boda taxis in Kisumu advocating for MPs to pay their taxes.

An SMS from Joshua Nyamori, head of the Nyanza Youth Coalition, was sent to KTI staff on May 21:

An indirect impact of the KTI grants for Marshalling People's Power and End Impunity -- Pay Tax has been felt in Kisumu on Thursday when Boda Boda operators poured into the streets in their thousands protesting against Kisumu Municipal Council's decision to levy a tax on them. They chanted no reforms no taxation, stating that they will only pay the tax if total reforms including the reforms of institutions like the Council are done to ensure that the taxes are used properly to their benefit. They also said they would not pay taxes unless MPs take the leading role of paying their taxes. The Council immediately suspended the new policy pending consultations. No stone was thrown, no tear gas fired. A number of people have called me attributing the peaceful but bold action to the radio stations and stickers plus public awareness campaigns.