By Seliphar Machoni
For the past two weeks, the people of Kenya have taken to the streets, urging President William
Ruto to reject the finance bill of 2024. On Wednesday, 26th June 2024, he heeded the demands
of Generation Z and withdrew the bill, albeit at the cost of innocent lives.
The president stated that his government would implement wider austerity measures, including
cuts in hospitality and travel expenses for his office. He has sent the bill back to parliament for
amendments.
Despite the withdrawal of the finance bill, Gen Z and other protesters continue to march, with
their aims now significantly broadened. Beyond the initial opposition to the bill, they are
demanding more comprehensive changes, including political accountability and transparency.
They have called for the resignation of the president and all members of parliament who
supported the bill, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Protesters claim
that the president has avoided accountability for his own shoot-to-kill orders. His deputy, Rigathi
Gachagua, has distanced himself from the "Black Tuesday" killings, blaming security agents for
extrajudicial executions.
The protests pose the biggest challenge yet for President Ruto, who demonstrators say has failed
to improve the lives of millions of young people who voted for him two years ago. The
legislature had sought to raise about $2.9 billion in taxes to pay off huge foreign debts.
Mr. Ruto also stated that rejecting the budget would affect the employment of 46,000 junior
secondary school teachers on temporary contracts, as well as healthcare provision. However,
protesters argued that the taxes would make life much harder by raising the cost of essential
items such as cooking oil, sanitary pads, diapers, and fuel, which would increase transportation
and production expenses. Hence, they are calling for his resignation.
The protesters; aims now encompass a wider range of issues. High unemployment among the
youth and economic challenges remain pressing concerns. The youth demand more job
opportunities and economic policies that genuinely address their needs, arguing that the high
taxes imposed by the finance bill will further strain their already difficult economic situation.
"Why does the president need to borrow one trillion shillings and still fail to employ 46,000
teachers whose budget is 18,000 shillings?" a Kenyan asked on X (formerly Twitter).
There is a growing demand for greater political accountability and transparency. The protesters
are calling for the resignation of not only President Ruto but also all members of parliament who
supported the finance bill, as they have failed in their promises to the citizens.
Additionally, the protesters are increasingly focusing on social justice, aiming to address long-
standing issues such as inequality and rampant corruption in the country. A new protest
movement appears to be emerging in Kenya, characterised by its organisation, resilience, and use
of technology and social media for coordination and communication. Platforms like Zello,
WhatsApp, X, and Briar have become essential tools for mobilising, sharing updates, and
ensuring safety.
To join the movement, people simply download the Zello app, go to the channels tab, and scan
the QR code to access the #RejectFinanceBill2024 channel. The ability to organise quickly and
efficiently through these digital means has made the protests more effective and difficult for
authorities to suppress. The protest movement has rejected Ruto’s appeals for dialogue.
The protests that began on 18th June 2024 have evolved beyond economic and political
grievances to prominently feature demands for justice in response to documented cases of police
brutality. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 39 deaths
linked to the demonstrations, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Among the notable incidents was the tragic killing of activist Rex Masai on 20th June, allegedly
by a police officer identified as Isaiah Ndumba Murangiri from Kamukunji police station.
Murangiri was captured on camera firing tear gas canisters and shooting at peaceful protesters at
close range, actions that sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
On 25th June, another distressing incident occurred when a protester innocuously carrying a
bottle of water and a Kenyan flag was mercilessly flogged by an unidentified police officer
during the protests. The officer, caught on camera, brazenly continued his assault until realising
he was being filmed, prompting him to conceal his identity. This incident, widely circulated on
social media, further fuelled public anger and demands for justice against police brutality.
During the "Occupy Parliament" protests on 25th June, the gravity of the situation escalated
when a sniper positioned atop the Parliament building opened fire on protesters attempting to
enter. Despite widespread condemnation and calls for investigation, the identity of the sniper,
dressed in a black cape and mask, remains undisclosed. This chilling act resulted in multiple
fatalities and severe injuries among the protesters, intensifying calls for immediate government
action and accountability.
Despite assurances from the Law Society of Kenya and the Independent Policing Oversight
Authority (IPOA) to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for unlawful actions
during the protests, no arrests or tangible actions have been reported regarding the identified
officers involved in these egregious acts of violence. This lack of swift justice has only
heightened tensions and galvanised protesters; resolve, turning the quest for justice into a central
pillar of the ongoing demonstrations.
