Outside the Parliament building on Tuesday afternoon, chaos ensued as comedian Eric Omondi orchestrated a protest, drawing attention to the 2024 Finance Bill.
Accompanied by a self-proclaimed activist and a group of demonstrators, they aimed to voice their discontent with the proposed legislation.
However, the demonstration encountered an abrupt halt when law enforcement officers intervened to suppress the escalating protest.
Amidst the tumult, the comedian was apprehended by the officers, though he persisted in vocalizing his grievances while attempting to rally the protesters.
Video footage circulating online captured the scene, revealing protesters brandishing sizable banners urging Members of Parliament to address concerns regarding the contentious bill.
Most of the demonstrators, predominantly women clad in sackcloth attire, passionately accused the MPs of treason, alleging clandestine plans to push the Finance bill into law.
Expressing his stance via Instagram, Eric Omondi declared, “WE WILL NOT ALLOW this government to KILL and FINISH Kenyans with the FINANCIAL ACT 2024!!! Kenyans are suffering and dying in hospitals without medicine while they charge us taxes to buy cars, houses, and expensive trips abroad.”
The protest underscored mounting public dissatisfaction with the government’s fiscal policies, particularly amidst concerns over healthcare inadequacies and misappropriation of funds.
As tensions flared outside the Parliament building, the confrontation between protesters and authorities spotlighted broader societal frustrations and calls for accountability within the political sphere.
The incident sparked debates across social media platforms, with opinions divided on the appropriateness of the protest tactics and the validity of the grievances raised.
While some applauded the demonstrators for standing up against perceived injustices, others criticized the disruption of public order and advocated for peaceful avenues of protest.
In the aftermath of the protest, discussions surrounding the Finance Bill intensified, with heightened scrutiny on its potential ramifications for the welfare of Kenyan citizens.
As the nation grappled with socio-economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the protest served as a poignant reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the ongoing struggle for socio-political reform.
