#7DaysOfRage: Kenya's Youth Revolution Reaches a Crescendo

Kenya stands at a pivotal moment in its history as the youth-led revolution against the contentious Finance Bill 2024 reaches a critical juncture.

Despite widespread opposition and peaceful protests, the Kenyan Parliament has given President William Ruto—referred to disparagingly by critics as "Zakayo" (a reference to the biblical tax collector)—the sweeping authority to implement policies perceived as detrimental to the 54 million citizens of Kenya. The people’s response has been unequivocal: they reject the Finance Bill in its entirety and refuse to be silenced.

The Genesis of #RejectFinanceBill2024

The Finance Bill 2024, perceived as a severe economic burden, has ignited a wave of protests across the nation. The bill includes increased taxes that many Kenyans believe will exacerbate poverty and inequality. In response, the youth, particularly Gen Z, have mobilized, leveraging social media to organize and amplify their message. Their efforts have not only captured national attention but also gained global traction, with hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament trending worldwide.

The Tragic Toll of Protest
Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, the government's response has been harsh.

Police brutality has resulted in the deaths of two protesters, with many others injured, and one person left in critical condition.

This excessive use of force has only galvanized the movement, strengthening the resolve of the protesters. The call to action has never been clearer: the Finance Bill must be rejected, and the oppressive tactics of the state must be exposed and condemned.

#7DaysOfRage: The Plan for Change

In response to the escalating situation, organizers have outlined a seven-day plan of civil disobedience and protest, dubbed #7DaysOfRage. This plan is designed to maintain pressure on the government and demonstrate the unyielding resolve of the Kenyan people.

Day 1: Friday, 21st June
Protesters will gather at City Mortuary before attending Juma prayers at Jamia Mosque. After the prayers, they will distribute water to those leaving the mosque, symbolizing both solidarity and the peaceful nature of their protest.

Day 2: Saturday, 22nd June
At midnight, bars and clubs frequented by Gen Z will halt their music, creating a national crescendo of chants: "Ruto must go" and "Reject Finance Bill." This action aims to unify and amplify their message across the country.

Day 3: Sunday, 23rd June
Churchgoers are urged to deplatform any politicians who voted 'YES' on the Finance Bill, refusing them the opportunity to speak. This act of defiance underscores the betrayal felt by the populace and holds elected officials accountable.

Day 4: Monday, 24th June

Constituents will visit the offices of MPs who supported the bill, delivering the message: "Endelea hivyo hivyo!" (Continue as you are!) They will also boycott the businesses of these politicians and begin collecting signatures to initiate recall petitions.

Day 5: Tuesday, 25th June

A nationwide strike dubbed #OccupyParliament and #TotalShutdownKE will take place. Gen Z leaders have declared this a day off for all hardworking Kenyans, urging parents to keep their children at home in solidarity.

Day 6: Wednesday, 26th June

Protesters will demand justice for Rex, a victim of police brutality, by visiting the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Inspector General of Police.

Day 7: Thursday, 27th June

The climax of the movement will see protesters blocking main roads leading to Nairobi and #OccupyStateHouse as President Ruto signs the bill into law. This final act of defiance aims to showcase the people's refusal to accept the legislation and their readiness to defend their rights.

The Global Context: Parallels with Sri Lanka

The situation in Kenya bears striking similarities to the 2022 Sri Lankan protests, commonly known as Aragalaya. The protesters' main demand was the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and key officials from the Rajapaksa family. There, widespread protests against economic mismanagement and corruption culminated in the occupation of the presidential residence. Protesters were famously seen swimming in the president's pool, symbolizing their victory and the reclamation of public power. This iconic image serves as a potent reminder of what can happen when the will of the people is underestimated.

In Sri Lanka, the government’s inability to address the people's grievances led to a complete breakdown of authority, forcing the president to flee and the prime minister to resign.

Kenya's leadership now faces a similar predicament. If they continue to ignore the legitimate concerns of their citizens, they may find themselves ousted by the very people they seek to govern. Only divine intervention can save William Ruto now.

The Role of Gen Z: A Global Phenomenon

Kenya's Gen Z is not alone in their struggle. Across the globe, young people are rising up against injustice and demanding change. From the climate strikes led by Greta Thunberg to the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, this generation has proven its capacity to effect significant change. They are digitally savvy, highly organized, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Gen Z and Millennials played a pivotal role in Barack Obama's victory, utilizing social media to mobilize voters and spread their message. Similarly, Kenya's youth are using digital platforms to coordinate protests, share information, and build a powerful movement that transcends national boundaries.

A Defining Moment for Kenya

As Kenya approaches the final day of the #7DaysOfRage, the nation stands at a crossroads. The resolve of the protesters, coupled with the global attention and support they have garnered, suggests that significant change is on the horizon. President Ruto and his administration must heed the warning of the people or face the possibility of being swept away by the tide of revolution.

This movement is not just about rejecting a finance bill; it is about reclaiming power and ensuring that the government serves the people, not the other way around.

As Anonymous succinctly put it: "Listen to the cries of your citizens, or the people of the world will resist you every step of the way."

The world is indeed watching, and the next few days will determine the future of Kenya.