Nakuru Gen Z hold memorial concert for protest victims

They prayed and observed moment of silence for those killed during anti-tax demos.

In Summary
  • Residents truned up in their hundreds, prayed and observed a moment of silence for those who were killed during the protests.

  • They held Kenyan flags and waved in the air during the event where entertainment was in plenty.

Nakuru residents converge for a concert in honour of Kenyans who died during anti-govt protests at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru on July 28, 2024.
Nakuru residents converge for a concert in honour of Kenyans who died during anti-govt protests at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru on July 28, 2024.
Image: SCREEN GRAB

Nakuru Gen Z on Sunday converged at Nyayo Gardens to honour Kenyans who died during the anti-Finance Bill protests.

Residents truned up in their hundreds, prayed and observed a moment of silence for those who were killed during the protests.

They held Kenyan flags and waved in the air during the event where entertainment was in plenty.

The mass action started on June 18 fueled by Parliament's determination to pass the Finance Bill despite widespread opposition.

The government said it sought to raise Sh346 billion extra revenue to run its programmes in the 2024-25 financial year.

President William Ruto eventually bowed to pressure and withdrew the Bill after protesters died on the frontline during Occupy Parliament protests on June 25.

The Gen Z protesters still vowed to sustain their protests demanding for accountabilty and better governnace. 

Following mounting pressure, Ruto also dissolve his previous cabinet and is in the process of constituting a new one which he said is broad-based and represents all Kenyans.

However, the move did not alter the Gen Zs and instead, they came up with more demands for the President to fulfil.

On June 26, the President announced new austerity measures to cut government spending.

Ruto said following his decision to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill, 2024 there was a need to find ways of managing the affairs by reducing expenditure.

Some of the proposals he made included expenditure cuts in the entire presidency which includes the office of the Deputy President.

He said the confidential vote would be removed while travel, hospitality, purchase of motor vehicles and renovations expenses would be reduced.

Ruto directed Parliament, the Judiciary and counties to work with the Treasury and undertake the budget cuts and austerity to ensure “We live within our means respecting the loud message that is coming from the people of Kenya”.

He also dissolved at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions.

The President further suspended the hiring of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS).

He also directed the reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 per cent and with immediate effect.

Ruto also announced the removal of budgets in the Offices of the First Lady, the Second and the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

He also said the confidential budgets in Executive offices have also been removed.

Ruto has so far nominated 2o individuals to head respective dockets in his government.

Among those nominated are four members allied to Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

He named Hassan Joho for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives and MSME Development, John Mbadi for the Ministry of National Treasury and Opiyo Wandayi has been nominated to head the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

The move that has since elicited a mix of reactions from leaders and Kenyans alike.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star