- Sakaja said every Kenyan has a democratic right to peaceful protest and voice their opinions on critical matters.
- He reassured Kenyans that President William Ruto is aware of the concerns raised about the Finance Bill.
Image: Handout
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has condemned police brutality meted out on some protesters who took to the streets to express their opposition against the Finance Bill 2024.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kihumbuini Stadium in Westlands, Sakaja said every Kenyan has a democratic right to peaceful protest and voice their opinions on critical matters.
"Our constitution has given us the right to picket peacefully. Police should not use force on peaceful demonstrators. Let us protect our democracy at all cost," Sakaja said,
He reassured Kenyans that President William Ruto is aware of the concerns raised about the Finance Bill.
As a Governor affiliated with the ruling party, Sakaja expressed confidence that the President will address the issues raised by the demonstrators.
He emphasized the importance of listening to the common people and believed that the government, under President Ruto's leadership, will consider the protesters' proposals regarding the contentious finance bill.
Hundreds of young people in Nairobi Thursday took to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024.
The protests started at 11:30 am on Kenyatta Avenue.
Police used tear gas to disperse the large crowd, leading to clashes as protesters threw tear gas canisters back at officers.
The demonstration was organized through social media to encourage residents to join in.
The protests were concentrated around the Central Business District near Parliament buildings.
Business went on as usual in downtown streets like River Road, Kirinyaga Road, Ronald Ngala and Mfangano Street.
Chair of the Finance Committee Kimani Kuria has since informed the country that several contentious clauses in the Finance Bill, 2024 have been dropped.
They include VAT on bread, Eco levy on locally manufactured products such as diapers and sanitary pads, tax on financial services and foreign exchange transactions, VAT on the transportation of sugar and 2.5 per cent motor vehicle levy.
The protesters have, however, made it clear that they don’t want an amended version of the Bill; they want the entire thing dropped.
Kuria, who is the Molo MP, told the House on Wednesday that the Finance Bill seeks to collect Sh346 billion to bolster efforts to raise Sh2.9 trillion locally in the year.
The government has proposed a budget of Sh3.92 trillion for the 2024-25 financial year.