Kenya is witnessing widespread protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which has led to the shutdown of Parliament and Senate websites for almost six hours. The protests began after an unverified anonymous video surfaced, threatening to disrupt services if the bill is not rejected by Parliament.
The Finance Bill 2024 aims to introduce new tax measures to raise additional revenue for the government’s budget. However, many Kenyans have expressed concerns over the proposed taxes, arguing that they will further burden the already struggling populace. The protests have been led by the youth, who have taken to the streets in major cities and towns across the country.
On Thursday, street demos returned to the streets of Nairobi after a 24-hour break, with armed police firing teargas to disperse protesters. Similar protests were witnessed in other cities and towns, including Kisumu, Lodwar, Kakamega, Kisii, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri, Meru, Nanyuki, Mombasa, and Kilifi.
The protesters, mainly from the Generation Z, have been chanting slogans against the bill and the Kenya Kwanza administration. They have also blocked several roads near Parliament to man it and ensure no civilians access it. The police have responded with teargas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
The protests have been largely peaceful, with no single case of tear gas canisters being lobbed as police walked alongside the protesters. However, there have been reports of clashes between protesters and police in some areas, resulting in injuries and arrests.
The government has defended the proposed tax hikes as necessary for filling its coffers and cutting reliance on external borrowing. However, protesters insist that the bill will further burden the already struggling populace and demand that it be rejected by Parliament.
The protests have also been supported by opposition leaders, who have vowed to continue their efforts to challenge the proposed tax measures. They argue that the bill disproportionately affects the poor and fails to address the root causes of Kenya’s economic challenges.
As the protests continue, the government and opposition are set for further confrontations both in the legislature and on the streets, as the debate over Kenya’s fiscal future intensifies.