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Ruto Withdraws Finance Bill as Protests Escalate: Gen Z Demands Broader Reforms

By Seliphar Machoni
Rejecting this is the cry of the people of Kenya in the streets for the past two weeks to the
president of Kenya, William Ruto, against the finance bill 2024.
On Wednesday 26 2024, he considered the demand of Generation Z and withdrew the finance
bill, but at the cost of the lives of innocent Kenyans.
The president said his government would widen 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 because
their aims have broadened significantly. Beyond the initial opposition to the finance bill, the
protesters are now demanding more comprehensive changes, including political accountability
and transparency.
They called for the resignation of the president and all members of parliament and all members
of parliament who supported the bill, reflecting a deep dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
They claim that the president avoided accountability for his own shoot-to-kill orders. His deputy,
Rigathi Gachagua, has distanced himself from the Black Tuesday killings and blamed security
agents for extrajudicial killings.
The protests were 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 sought to raise about $2.9 billion in taxes that the government said it needed to
pay off huge foreign debt.
Mr. Ruto also said that the rejection of the budget would affect the employment of 46,000 junior
secondary school teachers who have been on temporary contracts, as well as healthcare
provision.
But the protesters argued that the taxes would make life much harder, raising the cost of essential
items such as cooking oil, sanitary pads, diapers, and fuel, which would make transportation and
production more expensive. Hence, they are calling for his resignation.

The protesters' aims have broadened beyond the withdrawal of the finance bill and now
encompass a wider range of issues.
High unemployment among the youth and economic challenges remained pressing issues. The
youth are demanding more job opportunities and economic policies that genuinely address their
needs. They argue 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. This movement is characterized by
its organization, resilience, and use of technology and social media for coordination and
communication. Platforms like Zello, WhatsApp, X, and Briar have become essential tools for
mobilizing, 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 organize quickly and efficiently through these digital means has made the protests
more effective and difficult for authorities to suppress. The members of the protest movement
have rejected Ruto’s appeals for dialogue.
The protests that began on June 18, 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 June 20th, 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 June 25th, 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 realizing
he was being filmed, prompting him to conceal his identity. This incident, widely circulated on
social media, further fueled public anger and demands for justice against police brutality.
During the Occupy Parliament protests on June 25th, 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 galvanized protesters' resolve, turning the quest for justice into a central
pillar of the ongoing demonstrations.

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