In recent days, a significant number of Gen Z citizens took to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.
However, government actions suggest a lack of seriousness toward these protests.
Leaders from the Kenya Kwanza government have spent the past week dismissing the protests, claiming they are merely an attempt by the youth to gain social media attention.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah sparked controversy with his remarks, suggesting that the protestors were misguided and ignorant of the bill’s details.
He ridiculed the young demonstrators, implying they were privileged individuals arriving in taxis, carrying iPhones, and dining at KFC after the protests.
“The Gen Z have iPhones and use Ubers to protest.
Wanatoka maandamano wanaingia KFC kukula kuku na minofu, maji ni ile ya chupa…si mliwaona? Hawajui shida stima ni kitu gani…wako na umeme 24/7,” he said in Baringo County on Friday.
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the youth lacked understanding of the bill.
“Niliona hao Gen Z, hata mtoto wangu pengine alikuwa hapo, lakini hawaelewi hii finance bill,” Sudi commented.
President William Ruto’s economic adviser, David Ndii, also mocked the demonstrations, referring to digital activism as “wanking.” He stated, “Politics is a contact sport.
Digital activism is just wanking.
Any jackass can kick down a barn but it takes a good carpenter to build one.”
These remarks have fueled anger among Kenyans online, who are now demanding an audit of the revenue generated from previous Finance Bills’ taxes.
Critics urge the government to address the issue seriously, noting that the youth are driving a significant revolution, transcending tribal and political boundaries.
Dagoretti South MP John ‘KJ’ Kiarie faced backlash for his comments alleging that some photos shared online were either old or doctored, aimed at pushing a specific agenda.
“The committee was already in the process of engaging Kenyans way before a fake protest was organised…
Some of the photos we were seeing, I can tell you as a graphic editor, that they do not belong to this country,” he claimed in Parliament.
Similarly, Kitutu South MP Rachel Nyamai accused the Gen Zs of seeking TikTok views.
The latest wave of Finance Bill protests occurred on Thursday, with youths flooding the streets to urge legislators to reject the bill.
Using the hashtag #OccupyParliament, they attempted to enter Parliament during the MPs’ vote on the bill.
Despite facing teargas, water cannons, and intimidation, the protests continued throughout the afternoon and into the night.
Despite widespread demonstrations, the bill advanced as 204 MPs voted in favor, with 115 opposing.
The bill will now move to the Committee of the Whole House next week.
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