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Ruto urged to heed Gen Z's demands amid nationwide Finance Bill protests

Protestors kneel on Uhuru Highway in Nairobi during anti-Finance Bill demonstrations on June 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

By Lucy Mumbi | Sunday, June 23, 2024

Despite the peaceful intentions of the protesters, some were apprehended by police, while others encountered teargas and were dispersed by water canons.

Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has called on President William Ruto to address the demands of the Gen Z generation amidst nationwide protests against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024.

Taking to his X account on Saturday, Aukot outlined the key demands of young Kenyans, saying they represent 55 million citizens.

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Chief among the demands, he said, is the complete withdrawal of the proposed Finance Bill, 2024.

He also called for an inclusive approach to economic policymaking, emphasizing the importance of public input in drafting and implementing new finance legislation.

"The message to President William Ruto is clear. The Gen Zs are championing on behalf of 55 million Kenyans that these are the irreducible minimums: Drop the Finance Bill 2024, stop the wastage of public money, stop corruption, live within our means, publish the list of Kenya's debts, and ensure public participation guides any new finance bill and its applications," Aukot said.

He stressed that the demands are non-negotiable and require urgent government action.

On June 20, 2024, Members of Parliament advanced the Finance Bill 2024 to the next legislative stage after its Second Reading. 204 Members of Parliament voted in favour, while 115 opposed it.

The Bill is now set to move to the Committee of the Whole House, where a detailed review and voting on proposed amendments is expected next week.

Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot. (Photo: X/EAukot)

Protests erupted last Tuesday and Thursday, with the youth rallying under the slogan ‘Occupy Parliament’ and the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill.

Demonstrators, including celebrities and activists, gathered in CBD, chanting "Ruto must go" as MPs convened for the Parliamentary session. They expressed their frustration over the proposed new taxes that have already burdened taxpayers.

Despite the peaceful intentions of the protesters, some were apprehended by police, while others encountered teargas and were dispersed by water canons.

The actions by the police have so far led to the death of two young Kenyans; one was shot and the other one was injured by a teargas canister and later succumbed to his injuries.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has vowed to take action against police officers who were captured using force against peaceful demonstrators.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the killing of the two youths noting that they were exercising their rights.

She urged members of the public to voice their sentiments in ways allowed by the Constitution, including protesting.

"Despite our several calls for restraint to the police, it is deeply regretful that our bare minimum demand that the police uphold constitutionalism and act within the law in fulfilling their mandate fell on deaf, contemptuous ears," Odhiambo said.

"We intend to ensure that these criminal elements within our police face the full force of the law. As we fulfil our statutory mandate, we urge members of the public to continue to express themselves and exercise their rights within the confines of the law. We must deny aggressors any opportunity to justify their illegal actions."