Kenya has plunged into its second week of protests against the contentious Finance Bill 2024, with demonstrators pouring into the streets of Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and other regions. The bill has been a lightning rod for public discontent, primarily due to its provisions that allocate substantial funds for government expenses while offering only minimal support for critical sectors such as education. Among the most disputed elements of the bill is the plan to convert all land ownership to leasehold, contravening Article 40 of the Constitution that safeguards property rights.
The bill has raised numerous other concerns, including new taxes on unemployed individuals over 25, and significant budget cuts for agriculture despite past failures in government-provided agricultural inputs. Specifically alarming was the previous year’s debacle where the government was found supplying fake fertilizers, devastating numerous crops. Furthermore, sanitary products and even elderly pensions would face taxation, deepening the financial strain for many citizens.
Protests intensified as rumors circulated about snipers targeting demonstrators. Tragically, there have been fatalities, but protesters remain undeterred. Among those demonstrating are even high school students, pointing to a widespread frustration with the government’s perceived disinterest in alleviating public grievances.
Reports of abductions of students, doctors, and vocal social media influencers have also emerged, contributing to an environment of fear and uncertainty. Several individuals remain unaccounted for, such as activist Gabriel Oguda.
Questions around the ethical conduct of lawmakers have added fuel to the fire. Allegations surfaced that Members of Parliament were bribed to pass the bill, enraging the public further. Additionally, the decision to deploy police officers to Haiti—a move declared unconstitutional by the High Court—has heightened tensions. Many officers were deployed without receiving full compensation for their services, prompting fears for their safety.
Given the mounting turmoil, discussions have burgeoned both domestically and among the diaspora, ranging from recalling MPs to impeaching the president. Communication disruptions, such as difficulties accessing social media platforms and threats to news outlets, have compounded the already chaotic situation. The final reading of the Finance Bill is scheduled for June 27th, but given the damage to Parliament and ongoing unrest, its future remains uncertain.
The complex and rapidly evolving scenario leaves the nation in a precarious position, with many Kenyans anxiously awaiting the government’s next move. For a comprehensive report on the protests and the bill, see the detailed dispatch on JURIST.