Kenya is on edge as opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024 intensifies, with a series of protests planned across the country this week. The government’s proposed tax hikes have ignited widespread discontent, particularly among the nation’s youth and lower-income groups, leading to what social media users are calling “Days of Rage.”
The country is set to face a week of upheaval as demonstrators prepare to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which critics argue will disproportionately burden Kenya’s poor. The protests, scheduled from June 21 to June 27, reached a crescendo over the weekend with social media abuzz with plans for upcoming demonstrations.
A focal point of the unrest is the “Mother of all National wide Gen-Z protest” slated for June 25. Organizers aim to bring normal activities across Kenya to a standstill, with the demonstration set to commence at 11:00 AM. This large-scale event is preceded by calls for demonstrations in various towns on June 20, underscoring the widespread nature of the dissent.
The Kenyan government, led by President William Ruto, has responded to the mounting pressure with a dual approach of dialogue and security measures. While President Ruto has expressed willingness to engage with protesters, many demonstrators maintain that there is “nothing to talk about.
In a concerning development, several individuals vocal in their opposition to the bill have reportedly been abducted. Among them are Lesley Muturi, son of Attorney General Justin Muturi, and Dr. Austin Omondi, a volunteer medic assisting victims of police brutality during the protests. The alleged abductions have further inflamed tensions and raised questions about the government’s handling of dissent.
The Finance Bill 2024 has become a lightning rod for broader grievances about economic inequality and the cost of living in Kenya. Critics argue that the proposed tax hikes will exacerbate financial hardships for ordinary Kenyans already grappling with inflation and unemployment.
As the week unfolds, multi-agency security teams are holding strategic meetings to manage the anticipated unrest, particularly focusing on the June 25 protest. The government’s response to these demonstrations will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as a test of Kenya’s democratic resilience.
The coming days are likely to be pivotal for Kenya’s political and economic landscape. With protesters showing no signs of backing down and the government standing firm on its fiscal reforms, the nation faces a delicate balancing act between implementing necessary economic measures and addressing the concerns of its citizens.
