Protesters split over State House invasion plan as key leaders bolt out

A rift has emerged among the anti-finance bill protesters with plans to invade the State House Thursday drawing sharp divisions.

The move follows recent killings near Parliament and heightened military presence sparking fears among demonstrators.

It is also believed that President William Ruto's move not to sign the Bill into law has further lowered tensions.

Ruto declined to assent to the bill and instead referred it back to the National Assembly further cooling the heightened temperatures in various parts of the country.

While a section of the organisers and facilitators of these protests are pushing for a march to “occupy statehouse” there is a change of heart by many.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai who has been vocal about the protests is among those who have cautioned the youth against marching to the State House.

“Whoever is now mobilising the young people for further protests is killing their legitimacy and destroying them that they will not be taken seriously,” he wrote.

“Don’t go to State House. If possible, don’t protest today,” the post further reads.

Martin Wong in his post said, “I am not about this occupy statehouse thing. We achieved a lot at a great cost including so many lives. Let us march peacefully and now turn our eyes to IEBC and recall representatives who have failed us.”

An online debate Wednesday night exposed deep fractures within the movement, with many retracting support for drastic measures.

Hanifa Farsafi, a journalist and activist pleaded with the protesters to keep off the area even as she maintained the protests are not yet over.

“When the 7 days outrage posters circulated we did not know they’d kill over 50 people already. I’m really not telling you all what to do,” she said.

She added:

I’m just begging and if you must go, please avoid the protected area. We have lost enough lives. They don’t care, they just shoot. It’s not over. It’s not over yet.”

Another user identified as Aceboy supported her saying all the decisions they have made were individual as they do not have a leader.

“For now the president has as rejected what we wanted and along the way, a few comrades have fallen. So it would be wise we mourn and visit our injured comrades as we also monitor everything,” he said.

There has also been a feeling among some of the youth that most of the leaders are only encouraging them to participate in the protests but not joining.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pleaded Wednesday with the youth to call off Thursday protests.