- Despite occasional forceful responses from authorities, including tear gas deployment, the protests remained largely peaceful
- Authorities tightly controlled access to Parliament building and deployed significant police forces
Image: KEITH MUSEKE
A wave of youthful activism swept across Kenya as thousands marched peacefully against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024.
This movement, a stark contrast to past demonstrations, embraced technology and a carnival atmosphere.
But as the demonstrators swallowed loads of choking teargas, 204 government-allied MPs voted to pass the bill to the second reading where they will now discuss proposed amendments.
Opposition’s 115 voted to reject the Bill and vowed to continue with the fight outside the house.
The spirited protestors, part of a blossoming movement, are demanding a fairer fiscal system that addresses the daily hardships faced by ordinary Kenyans.
"Zakayo must fall. We cannot be taxed like foreigners. This country is ours," a protestor said.
From major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa to regional hubs of Kisumu and Eldoret, protestors transformed the streets into vibrant displays of dissent.
Songs replaced rocks, and social media hashtags like #OccupyEldoret fueled mobilisation. Placards carried messages such as 'Zakayo must fall' and 'Reject, not amend,' reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the proposed legislation.
Celebrities, previously criticised for online silence, joined the crowds. Rappers Octopizzo and Nyashinski lent their voices to the movement. Solidarity extended to professionals with young lawyers offering legal support to detained protestors and doctors marching against healthcare budget cuts.
Even President Ruto's stronghold of Eldoret witnessed youth take to the streets, chanting anti-government slogans with a twist – demanding the bill's withdrawal.
Police maintained a watchful presence as protestors strategically split into groups and dispersed demonstrations across the town.
The young protestors mobilised themselves on social media under the #OccupyEldoret hashtag.
Some youth destroyed UDA party wheelbarrow symbols in Eldoret town.
“No serious incidents were reported throughout the demonstrations,” said Uasin Gishu police boss Benjamin Mwanthi.
Ben Limo, one of the organisers, said the demonstrations were successful.
“We know Eldoret is President Ruto’s home but we also want him to know that the taxation measures are hurting us just like other Kenyans," he said.
Janet Chepkosgey said they want the government to listen to Kenyans.
While some initial clashes occurred, the overall message of the protests – a call for people-centred reforms, resonated loudly and clearly.
Reporters highlighted the passionate leadership of Generation Z activists, a demographic rarely seen to engaged on economic issues.
Despite occasional forceful responses from authorities, including tear gas deployment, the protests remained largely peaceful, with experienced civil society groups playing a crucial role in monitoring the situation.
The international media spotlight shone brightly, with CNN and Al Jazeera covering the unfolding events. Locally, NTV journalist Ibrahim Karanja's confrontation with an officer who brutalised a peaceful protestor went viral.
A remarkable moment unfolded when protestors offered water and refreshments to police officers, acknowledging their shared economic struggles. This act of compassion, alongside assurances from organisers to maintain peace, resulted in a largely incident-free day.
The movement, however, was not without its tensions. In Nairobi, a peaceful assembly near Kenyatta Avenue was met with a heavy-handed police response, with water cannons and tear gas dispersing the crowd.
Similar reports emerged from Kilifi, where police preemptively deployed at Pwani University to deter potential unrest.
Despite these incidents, the protests achieved a powerful display of public disapproval. Hanifa, a key organiser, emphasised the unwavering demand for complete withdrawal of the Bill.
"The solidarity is unlike anything I've seen," she said.
On Tuesday, the government responded by withdrawing some of the most regressive tax proposals, acknowledging the public's concerns about fairness. However, anxieties persisted that alternative funding plans could still disproportionately burden vulnerable communities.
As parliamentarians resume debate on the tax bill on Thursday, the amplified voices of the protestors can be heard just outside the building, demanding a seat at the table when it comes to crafting solutions.
In Garissa, the presidential motorcade, riding into an official function in Garissa University, was met by peaceful protestors.
They carried placards that read 'Reject the Finance Bill'.
In Kilifi county, thousands of youths poured into the streets of Kilifi town to protest against the Bill.
The youth called for total rejection of the Bill in Parliament. The protesters converged at the Pwani University main gate and marched to the Kilifi CBD through Naivas Supermarket as police kept watch.
Before the protests, contingents of police officers were deployed at the Pwani University gate and other strategic areas to deter any unlawful engagement by the protestors.
The protests took place after religious leaders and human rights groups in Kilifi called for the rejection of the bill.