’Gen Zs want Finance Bill dropped, publish list of Kenya’s debts ’ – Ekuru Aukot tells Ruto
Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has called on President William Ruto to listen to the demands of the Gen Z generation amid ongoing nationwide protests against his controversial Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement posted on his X account, the former presidential aspirant outlined the key demands that young Kenyans, representing the voices of 55 million citizens, are making.
Aukot emphasized that these demands are non-negotiable and should be addressed urgently by the government.
"The message to President @WilliamsRuto is clear. The GEN Zs are championing on behalf of 55 million Kenyans that these are the irreducible minimums," he stated.
Aukot said the protesters are calling for the complete withdrawal of the proposed bill.
According to Aukot, Gen Zs are calling for an inclusive approach to economic policymaking, with greater input from the public in drafting and implementing any new finance legislation.
"1. Drop the Finance Bill 2024, 2. Stop wastage of public money, 3. Stop corruption, 4. Live within our means, 5. Publish the list of Kenya's debts, 6. Public participation will guide a new finance bill and its applications," Aukot stated.
Finance Bill passes to 2nd reading
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, Members of Parliament voted on the Finance Bill 2024, deciding to advance it to the next stage following its First Reading. A total of 204 MPs voted in favour of the Bill proceeding to the Second Reading, while 115 MPs opposed it.
The Bill will now move to the Committee of the Whole House, where the National Assembly will review each clause. During this stage, members will consider and vote on any proposed amendments from the Finance and Budgetary Committee or other MPs.
Following this detailed review, the members will vote to either accept or reject the amendments. This process is scheduled to take place next week. Subsequently, during the Third Reading, Kimani Kuria, the chairperson of the Finance and Budget Committee, will propose that the Bill be read for a third time.
Gen Zs the movement
Thursday and Tuesday protests saw young adults taking to the streets after days of rallying support on the internet with the slogan ‘Occupy Parliament’ and hashtag #RejectFinanceBill.
MPs were treated to a showdown at Parliament Road before the tabling and voting of the controversial bill. The young men and women, celebrities, and activists showed up and off to rise against over-taxation.
As planned, protesters assembled in large numbers, chanting “Ruto must go” as MPs convened for the Parliamentary session.
These demonstrators crowded Parliament Road, expressing their frustration over the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed new taxes on already burdened taxpayers.
However, some protesters were apprehended by police officers on standby and taken to the station, while others dispersed and encountered teargas.
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