The voice of the people, it is said, is the voice of God, and the voice of the Kenyan people resonated loud and clear on Tuesday 18th June, as more than 200 protesters were arrested in Nairobi.The protests were against the proposed tax hikes in the universally unpopular and publicly rejected Finance Bill 2024, which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. Despite the arrests, the fervour and determination of the demonstrators remain unshaken, with plans to continue the protests and a massive sit-down outside Parliament buildings on Thursday.
Unyielding ResistanceThe right to peaceful protests is guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution, but try telling that to Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei, who asserted that no group had been granted permission to protest in the capital.
Whereby Kenya Police responded with tear gas and unnecessary violence, forcing businesses to shut down temporarily amidst fears of looting.
Nevertheless, the protesters maintained their decorum and resolve. One protester captured the sentiment, stating, "I’m requesting the police not to arrest or beat us because we are fighting for their rights as well."
Tax Hikes: A Burden on the PeopleThe Finance Bill 2024 has sparked widespread outrage due to its proposed tax increases. Among the contentious proposals are a 16% value-added tax on bread and a 2.5% annual tax on motor vehicles. Even the lowly wheelbarrow, a symbol of William Ruto's "Hustler Nation" in his deceptive ascendance to power, has not escaped his draconic tax dragnet.
Bowing to public pressure, President William Ruto conceded, in a display of bad PR, that some of these proposals had been dropped just hours before the bill was to be tabled in Parliament, after he chaired a meeting with ruling party lawmakers. However, the bill still contains numerous provisions that could severely overburden ordinary Kenyans.
Civil Society and Opposition Response Civil society groups and rights organisations have voiced their support for the protests. Amnesty Kenya demanded the immediate release of all arrested protesters and observers. The Kenya Law Society condemned the police's use of tear gas on lawyers at a Nairobi police station, where they were seeking to see their clients.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga urged legislators to scrutinise the bill and remove clauses that would burden the poor. He described the bill as "worse than the one of 2023, an investment killer, and a huge millstone around the necks of millions of poor Kenyans who must have hoped that the tears they shed over taxes last year would see the government lessen the tax burden in 2024."The Gen Z Factor
Emerging as the unexpected heroes of this movement, Kenya's Gen Z has taken up the mantle of resistance. Their leadership and innovative approaches to organising have injected new energy into the protests. They have harnessed social media to mobilise, educate, and inspire, ensuring that the momentum continues to build.
The mantle has been passed; the baton and future of Kenyan democracy are in safe hands.
A Peaceful Protest MovementTuesday's protests were marked by a notable absence of violence, except from Kenya Police.
Surprisingly, no one was killed, and no businesses were sabotaged, no stones were thrown, no property was vandalised, and there was no stealing.
This peaceful approach underscores the protesters' commitment to non-violent resistance, maintaining the moral high ground as they demand justice. A new era of protests is dawning in Kenya.
Looking Ahead: #TukutaneThursday
The protests are far from over. As we head into Thursday, the planned #TukutaneThursday protests are expected to intensify. Demonstrators are demanding for the Finance Bill to be scrapped and for a government that prioritises the needs of its people over unnecessary expenditures.
Critics argue that Kenya faces no significant aerial threat that would justify such an expenditure. They see it as a misplaced priority, especially given the country's current economic struggles. The decision has fuelled further discontent and added to the protesters' list of grievances.
As Kenya braces for Thursday's significant protests, this time across the country, the resolve of the people remains unbroken.
The Gen Z-led movement has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and creativity in its fight against the Finance Bill 2024. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future direction of the country and the impact of these protests on its political landscape.
The voice of the people is the voice of God. As long as the people refuse, then God has no alternative but to follow suit, and Ruto's government must listen. Tupatane Thursday! Ruto must go!
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