Nairobi youth march against Finance Bill 2024
By Joel Sang, June 23, 2024
Youth in Nairobi continued to put the government under pressure after holding more demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
The protests were witnessed just hours after President William Ruto promised to hold a conversation with the youth over pertinent issues that they have raised.
The protests were mostly held along Kenyatta Avenue in the city centre, and the demonstrators carried placards with different messages, as shown in a number of photos shared on some social media platforms.
Sunday’s demos are just a prelude to more that have been lined up for Tuesday and Thursday when the Finance Bill 2024 will be tabled for the Third Reading.
Meanwhile, as the youth up the tempo against the government bill, Gen Z, who have become the face of the protests, have continued to be praised for how they have held them.
Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba said Gen Z should not be demeaned as they are ushering in a new dawn for the country.
“They want to regularize the system so that every child has access to university education, irrespective of their background. In their struggle, they are organized and don’t need our input; theirs is a coherent, informed voice. You can’t argue with them, but you must listen.
“Who is there to listen? Don’t send police; it will only agitate them. Don’t underrate them, don’t ignore them, and don’t demean them. Rather, involve them, engage them, and appreciate them.
“We must start believing in them. We educated them, and they are now using the education we gave them to argue and ask critical questions as they seek to make things right. As a parent of Gen Z, I am taking the challenge daily.
“They have decided to change the equation. Their struggle has no class, no tribe, and no region. It’s a new dawn in Kenya,” she said.
Ole Kina, Kipkorir’s doubts
Meanwhile, Narok County Senator Ledama Ole Kina questioned the new praise Gen Z is getting from the Kenya Kwanza leadership.
“I love the way reverse psychology works! So now there will be a round table between the state and the Gen Zs to discuss the Finance Bill instead of simply scrapping it! Sisi si wajinga!
“Let the members of parliament do their job without being remotely controlled and implement what Kenyans, including Gen Z, have decided,” Ole Kina posted on X.
Ole Kina’s sentiments were echoed by city lawyer Donald Kipkorir.
“After denigrating Gen Z demos, KK (Kenya Kwanza) leaders are now applauding them. When it is time for a change or a new idea, no one can stop it. The Gen Z generation is leading Kenya to where we have longed for so long. Rivers flow to the Sea of Gen Z. We are here to support them,” Kipkorir posted on X.
For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p