Kenyan Protests Ignite Nationwide Outcry Against Controversial Finance Bill

Kenya is facing a wave of nationwide protests as citizens unite to voice their opposition to the contentious Finance Bill 2024. The proposed legislation has sparked outrage across the country, with people from various counties, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nyeri, Tana River, and even Turkana, taking to the streets to demand its withdrawal.

Kenyan Citizens Refuse to Back Down in the Face of Oppressive Legislation

Contentious Provisions in the Finance Bill 2024

The Finance Bill 2024 has been widely rejected by the Kenyan public since its introduction. The bill allocates a staggering 800 million Kenyan Shillings (Ksh) to cater for government furniture, while only offering a meager Ksh.2 million for educational aids. Furthermore, the government seeks to strip away the right to freehold ownership of land, with all land now belonging to the state and the public only able to hold it on a leasehold basis. This directly contradicts Article 40 of the Kenyan Constitution, which enshrines the right to property ownership.Adding to the public's outrage, the government also plans to tax unemployed individuals above the age of 25. This move has left many Kenyans bewildered, as the country is already grappling with a high unemployment rate. The government's expectation that the unemployed should pay taxes when they struggle to afford basic necessities such as food and shelter has been met with widespread disbelief.

Cuts to the Agricultural Sector and Taxation on Essential Goods

The Finance Bill 2024 also proposes a Ksh.5 billion cut to the agricultural sector's budget. This is particularly concerning given the challenges the sector faced last year, when it was discovered that the government had provided farmers with fake fertilizers, leading to the destruction of a significant amount of produce.Furthermore, the bill seeks to impose taxes on imported products, including sanitary towels, which will further burden the already struggling population. Even the elderly have not been spared, as the government plans to increase taxes on their pensions.

Questionable Allocations and Lack of Transparency

Another point of contention is the government's plan to set aside Ksh.900 million for the office of the First Lady, a move that many argue could be better utilized to pay teachers and doctors. Additionally, the bill allocates Ksh.800 million for "confidential purposes," leaving the public to wonder about the true nature of these expenditures.Notably, the Finance Bill 2024 also fails to provide comprehensive information on the loans taken by the Kenyan government, further fueling public mistrust and concerns about transparency.

Protesters Defy Threats and Occupy Parliament

Despite facing numerous obstacles, the protesters have remained steadfast in their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024. Crowds have filled the streets of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) as early as 7 am, with many braving blockades and even reports of snipers to make their voices heard.The protesters' determination reached a climax when they managed to enter the Parliament building, determined to prevent the bill's passage. Tragically, several people were killed during the confrontation, but the protesters refused to back down, with some declaring that they were willing to die rather than accept the oppressive legislation.

Allegations of Corruption and Questionable Government Actions

The public's outrage has been further fueled by the revelation that Members of Parliament were allegedly paid Ksh. 2 million each to vote in favor of the Finance Bill 2024. This has sparked widespread condemnation, with Kenyans expressing their anger at the perceived betrayal by their elected representatives.Adding to the tension, the government's decision to deploy police officers to Haiti, despite a High Court ruling declaring the deployment unconstitutional, has raised concerns about the government's priorities and the safety of the deployed personnel.

Uncertain Future and Ongoing Protests

Amid the chaos, Kenyans are grappling with the implications of the Finance Bill 2024 and the government's response. Rumors of a potential state of emergency declaration and disruptions to social media platforms have further heightened the sense of uncertainty.As the final reading of the Finance Bill 2024 is scheduled for Thursday, June 27th, the fate of the legislation and the future of Kenya remain uncertain. The protesters have vowed to continue their fight, and the government's actions in the coming days will be closely watched by the nation and the international community.