Thousands of protesters drawn from various towns and cities across the country took to the streets Thursday to voice their discontent with the Finance Bill 2024.
Unlike previous protests dominated by the older generation and opposition politicians, activists identifying as Millennials and Generation Z staged peaceful demonstrations relying heavily on social media to amplify their voices in what is seen as a new wave of political activism.
In Nairobi, hundreds of protesters brandishing placards with anti-tax messages occupied the central business district for the entire day, even as police lobbed teargas and opened water cannons to disperse the crowd, which sought to access Parliament Buildings.
In Mombasa, youth marched through the streets urging MPs to oppose the proposed finance law, warning that it could further increase the cost of basic commodities due to the proposed tax on imported goods.
Meanwhile, in Nyeri, Governor Mutahi Kahiga was forced to address young Kenyans who gathered outside the county offices.
The protesters vowed to hold more demonstrations if the finance bill passes, urging lawmakers from the county to shoot down the bill.
“As youth, we call upon MPs from Nyeri County to oppose the finance bill. We are the ones who voted for them and therefore they should represent us,” said one of the protesters in Nyeri.
In Eldoret, 2022 presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame joined the youth in the protests, expressing their concerns on some of the proposals contained in the contentious bill.
Similar protests were held in Machakos, Embu, Narok, Nyahururu, Kakamega, Kisii, Nanyuki, Lodwar, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kericho, and Meru.
