#RejectFinanceBill24: Kenyans Unite Against Controversial Finance Bill 2024
On June 20, 2024, Kenyans across the nation rallied for the second day of widespread protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The controversial bill, proposed by President William Ruto’s administration, aims to generate Ksh348 billion in additional revenue through increased taxes across various sectors, including Road Maintenance Levies and Export Levies. This surge in tax hikes has ignited a wave of demonstrations, reaching far beyond Nairobi to towns like Eldoret, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
Nationwide Civil Unrest
Nairobi Protests: In the heart of Nairobi, the air was thick with tension as protesters clashed with police. By noon, the Central Business District (CBD) was a battlefield of tear gas and running battles. On Koinange Street, the police fired tear gas to disperse crowds, forcing demonstrators to retreat towards Uhuru Highway. Mounted officers were seen engaging with the protesters, adding to the chaotic scenes that unfolded in the CBD.
Eldoret and Nakuru Stand Up: Even in President Ruto’s stronghold, Eldoret, the discontent was palpable. Hundreds of young people flooded the streets, decrying the proposed bill. In a powerful symbol of their frustration, demonstrators were seen dismantling a UDA-branded wheelbarrow, a notable emblem of Ruto’s political campaign.
In Nakuru, another significant base for Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, young activists echoed similar sentiments. Demonstrators gathered in the CBD, passionately demanding the bill’s rejection. “Our message is crystal clear: we demand the complete rejection of this Finance Bill. It’s time to stop squandering our resources. We want to see our taxes put to good use,” stated a protester to the media, encapsulating the widespread anger and determination among the populace.
Kisumu Residents Block Highways: In Kisumu, protests erupted early in the day. Residents of Kondele took to the streets, brandishing placards with emphatic messages such as “We said reject it, no edits.” The demonstrators went as far as blocking the main highway accessing the Kisumu City CBD, causing significant traffic disruptions and underscoring their resolve to halt the bill’s progression.
Civil Society Steps Up for Protester Protection
As the protests intensified, five major civil society organizations—The Law Society of Kenya, Kenya Medical Association, Defenders Coalition, Independent Medical Legal Unit, and Amnesty International—mobilized to protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators. These groups have established observer networks, legal and medical helplines, and resources nationwide to support and safeguard protesters exercising their constitutional rights to free expression and assembly.
In a joint statement, these organizations urged the National Police Service to refrain from using excessive force, intimidation, or arbitrary arrests. “We are committed to protecting all protesters who peacefully exercise their constitutional rights to free expression and assembly to the best of our ability,” the statement read. The Law Society of Kenya confirmed that all 300 protesters arrested on Tuesday had been released, highlighting the effectiveness of these protective measures.
Concerns Over Police Presence Around Parliament
Back in Nairobi, the heavy police presence around the Parliament buildings has raised concerns among legislators. Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and other MPs have criticized the significant deployment of officers encircling Parliament and government offices along Harambee Avenue. This increased security has made accessing the National Assembly challenging for MPs involved in the ongoing debate over the Finance Bill 2024. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and MP Sylvanus Osoro have also voiced their objections, suggesting that the officers were awaiting security support from the protestors rather than maintaining order.
Speaker Wetangula Calls for Reflection
Amid the turmoil, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula opened the parliamentary session with a prayer, calling for reflection and guidance as the legislators continued to debate the contentious bill. His invocation underscored the gravity of the situation and the deep-seated divisions within the country over the proposed financial measures.
The Core Issues at Stake
The Finance Bill 2024 seeks to address Kenya’s pressing fiscal challenges by introducing several new tax measures. These include:
- Increased Road Maintenance Levies: Aimed at generating funds for infrastructure development but perceived as a burden on motorists and transport sectors.
- Export Levies: Targeted at boosting revenue from the export sector, raising concerns among exporters about increased costs and reduced competitiveness.
- Excise Duties on Digital Services: Targeting the rapidly growing digital economy, this has sparked fears of stifling innovation and increasing costs for online businesses and services.
Critics argue that these measures disproportionately affect ordinary Kenyans, particularly in a context where economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic remains fragile. The sentiment on the streets reflects deep frustration with the perceived mismanagement of public resources and a lack of transparency and accountability in government spending.
Voices from the Protests
Simon Sangale from Nakuru: “Finance Bill 2023 had a devastating impact on many. Countless lost their jobs when factories shuttered. It’s high time Ruto reads the public sentiment. Any MP who votes in favour of this Finance Bill, rest assured, we will vote them out in 2027.”
Anonymous Protester in Kisumu: “We said reject it, no edits. We do not want any amendments; we want the bill dropped entirely.”
The Road Ahead
As the protests continue, the outcome of the debate on the Finance Bill 2024 remains uncertain. The widespread public outcry and the mobilization of civil society groups have created significant pressure on the government to reconsider its stance. For many Kenyans, the struggle against the Finance Bill 2024 is not just about opposing new taxes but also about demanding a government that listens to and addresses the needs of its people.
The unfolding events highlight the deep divisions within Kenyan society and the critical need for a transparent, accountable, and inclusive approach to economic policy-making. Whether the bill is amended or withdrawn entirely, the voices of the protesters will undoubtedly shape Kenya’s political and economic landscape in the years to come.