Today was supposed to be a significant day for Gen Z protesters in Kenya. They had planned to march to State House to witness President William Ruto sign the controversial finance bill into law.
This event was part of their “7 Days of Rage” timetable, which has seen numerous demonstrations against the bill over the past week. However, confusion arose when the president recalled the finance bill yesterday, prompting uncertainty about whether the march would proceed.
Last night, a Twitter Space was held to discuss the situation, drawing over 100,000 participants, a record high not just in Kenya but in Africa for a long time. The conversation revolved around the potential outcomes of today’s planned march and the implications of the president’s decision to send the bill back to Parliament for further deliberation, considering that Parliament is in recess until the 21st of July.
Despite the discussions, clarity was still lacking, and many participants were unsure whether to proceed with the march.
Adding to the tension, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were deployed in Nairobi this morning ahead of the expected protests. The presence of military personnel in the city, especially in areas around State House, was a significant development.
The deployment, ordered by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and approved by the National Assembly, had already been met with legal challenges. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) successfully sued to suspend the deployment, arguing that it was unconstitutional for the KDF to manage domestic protests. However, the troops were still visible in the city this morning, creating an atmosphere of caution and uncertainty among potential protesters.
Despite the build-up and significant online engagement, the actual turnout in Nairobi today is noticeably low compared to previous days. Various factors contributed to the reduced numbers. The president’s decision to recall the bill may have led some protesters to believe that their goals had been partially achieved, reducing the urgency to demonstrate. Additionally, the presence of the KDF and the potential for confrontation likely deterred many would-be participants.
The reduced turnout marks a stark contrast to the large crowds seen earlier in the week. During previous days of protest, thousands had taken to the streets, voicing their opposition to the finance bill, which many argued imposed undue financial burdens on ordinary citizens. T
he spontaneous and widespread nature of the protests had put significant pressure on the government, leading to the president’s reconsideration of the bill.
