Raila commends Gen Zs for leading anti-Finance Bill protests

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has heaped praise on the young generation popularly known as Gen Zs for leading Tuesday's anti-Finance Bill protests.

On Tuesday Kenyans, took to the streets to protest against the proposed high taxes in Finance Bill, 2024.

Majority of the protesters were largely young people, carrying bottles of water, placards and phones in their hands documenting the events as they unfolded.

Those not physically present worked behind the scenes on social media by posting images and videos of the protests in solidarity with their peers.

In a rare show of defiance, the young generation of protesters who often watch from the flanks as events unfold took center stage on Tuesday.

Raila, who has over the years become the face of anti-government protests, took pride in the young generation of Kenyans who showed no fear in standing up for what they believe in. 

A young lady, in particular, caught his eye following her riveting message to the Azimio boss to sit back and watch them take over from where he left off in the fight for their rights.

"Agwambo (Raila), this is a message don't come, please stay at home. We saw your efforts and what you have done to Kenya, now let us fight for our rights. We miss you but don't come outside, we shall represent you," the lady said in a video which has since gone viral.

Raila acknowledged the message stating that he was proud of the young lady and the courage she and her colleagues exemplified.

"I’m a very proud father today! Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights!" Raila said.

Last year around the same time, Raila called anti-government protests over soaring cost of living, tax hikes and alleged malpractice in the 2022 presidential election.

Tuesday’s protests dubbed 'Occupy Parliament' coincided with the tabling of the Bill in the House.

Earlier, Activist Boniface Mwangi, one of the organisers of the Occupy Parliament protests, defended Raila for missing the demos.

Mwangi said age had caught up with Raila and that the Opposition leader is also seeking to be the next AU Commission chairperson.

“Raila is unemployed, is looking for a job at the AU so he is busy canvassing to get the seat. Raila is also old. He has done this for over 40 years. We should be ashamed of ourselves for demanding more from Raila. He has given his best,” he stated.

Mwangi further said it is the civic duty of all citizens to hold their leaders accountable.

“If the Opposition has let us down, it is because they have no leader,” he stated.