Image: ENOS TECHE
It was a running battle and teargas in the Nairobi Central Business District, as Gen Zs turned out in large numbers to protest against the Finance Bill.
Armed with water, masks and a show of solidarity, they sang songs and carried placards some dubbed "Reject the Finance Bill".
The protests dubbed Occupy Parliament started at 11.30 am along Kenyatta Avenue. The protesters came from all directions.
With nothing but phones and sheer determination to be heard, the Gen Zs engaged police in running battles as they sought to make their way to Parliament Buildings ahead of the tabling of the report on the Bill by the Finance Committee.
On the other hand, anti-riot police were seen lobbying teargas canisters even as the protesters chanted "We are peaceful"
Medical personnel were also seen around the city to help any of the injured protesters.
The protests began on Tuesday in Nairobi and on Wednesday in Mombasa.
As of Thursday, the protests spread across various regions including Nakuru, Kisumu, Kisii, Eldoret and Nanyuki among others.
Youthful Kenyans took charge of the Occupy Parliament protests to demonstrate against ‘punitive’ tax proposals in the Finance Bill, 2024.
Days before Tuesday’s protests, youths made a rallying call on social media using the hashtag #OccupyParliament urging Kenyans to turn up in numbers for the protests.
News that the government had made concessions and dropped some of the contentious clauses in the Bill did little to dampen their spirits as some termed the move a smoke screen.