Many Kenyans are gathering in Nairobi on Tuesday to protest against the Finance Bill 2024 as lawmakers begin debating it.
The protest aims to pressure the President and lawmakers to address the concerns of the masses.
Demonstrators are expected to show up at 12 PM, about two hours before the Parliament session starts today.
“We have notified the police. I even sent a message to Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome informing him of our plans over the weekend. We will be in thousands, nothing less. We will fill all streets in Nairobi, we will occupy Parliament,” activist Boniface Mwangi said over the weekend.
The second reading of the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, with the Finance and Planning Committee’s report being presented. The bill will then proceed to the third reading and voting.
“This first march is to tell the members of Parliament that we are watching them closely and that we will not allow them to pass legislation that we do not want. They have to listen to us,” Mwangi said.
Financial expert Shadrach Kiprono described the Finance Bill 2024 as an insult to hardworking Kenyans.
“I am inviting people to come and protest the Finance Bill tomorrow outside Parliament. We are protesting against increased taxation. I am not an activist; I am just concerned,” he said.
On Monday, organisers were seen distributing flyers within the streets of Nairobi CBD and nearby estates.
A code of conduct was released, asking protesters to remain peaceful and calm even when harassed. They were advised to dress appropriately and carry placards orderly.
“Bring a friend, do not walk alone. Document and share your location with your family and friends,” the code stated. An emergency number, 0716200200, was shared for use in case of arrest, with lawyers stationed at police stations.
Ahead of the protests, police have been holding meetings to manage the situation and ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.
Kenyans expressed their displeasure with the Finance Bill by posting MPs’ contacts on social media, urging each other to contact their leaders and ask them to reject the bill.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro revealed that he and his colleagues had received thousands of messages urging them to reject the bill.
“I want to tell them that we will not reject it because we must fund the government, but we are going to reject contentious clauses,” he said.