Thousands of protestors Tuesday turned up in large numbers to protest against the Finance Bill, 2024.
In Nairobi, security was beefed up as youths led #TotalShutdown demos in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The government has allowed the countrywide demos with the hashtag led largely by Gen-Z but with conditions.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki who has warned against lawlessness has instructed the protestors to remain peaceful, and unarmed and must finish their activities by 6.30 pm or by dusk.
Kindiki said it is the constitutional right of every person, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to authorities.
Large crowds have also assembled in various towns amid uproar after some protestors went missing.
Lawyers have raised concerns over what they term arbitrary arrests and intimidation of perceived leaders, mobilizers and facilitators of the protests.
The Law Society of Kenya in a statement expressed concerns over the whereabouts said it had received reports of the abduction of Dr. Salim Ishmael and that of Mr. Shadrack Kiprono alias Shad Khalif.
Vocal social media and political activist Gabriel Oguda and Osama Otero who has been holding popular X Spaces are also missing sparking an online campaign to push for their release.
“We have made rounds around various police stations to establish where Dr. Austin, Dr. Salim and Shad Khalif are being held, but no clear disclosure has been forthcoming. Accordingly, we consider their abductors criminals” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
She called on the police to launch investigations to unravel the truth and also identify those behind the alleged kidnappings.
“We call on all members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information or tip offs on the possible whereabouts of Dr. Austin, Dr. Salim and Shad Khalif or the identity of their abductors. We demand that the police and all investigative agencies treat this matter delicately and with expediency to unearth the truth on what happened to Dr. Austin, Dr. Salim and Shad Khalif, the identity of those holding them and where they are being held” she appealed.
Third reading
Meanwhile, Focus shifts to the national assembly as Members of Parliament conclude on the controversial Finance Bill, which enters its Third Reading.
According to the Finance and Planning Committee, chairperson Kimani Kuria over 50 MPs have prepared amendments to various clauses, which will be debated and voted on.
Azimio One Kenya Coalition has directed its members of the National Assembly to withdraw amendments to the Finance Bill and instead reject it in totality.
Thursday will mark the climax of the protests where Gen Zs have warned that they will block main roads leading to Nairobi.
