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Mombasa residents protest against Finance Bill despite heavy rain

Mombasa County residents take part in 'Occupy Parliament' protests, against the Finance Bill on June 19, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, June 19, 2024

The demonstrators, predominantly young people, voiced strong opposition to the bill, calling for its complete overhaul and the initiation of a new public participation process.

Hundreds of Mombasa County residents braved torrential rains on Wednesday to protest against the Finance Bill, 2024, hours after a day of major activity in the capital, Nairobi, where similar protests took place.

The demonstrators, predominantly young people, voiced strong opposition to the bill, calling for its complete overhaul and the initiation of a new public participation process.

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The protest, organised under the "Occupy Parliament" banner, saw residents march through the city for over six hours, effectively bringing Mombasa to a standstill.

Heavy police presence in Mombasa CBD as residents turn up for anti-Finance Bill protest #OccupyMombasa pic.twitter.com/K1WLxvJA11
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 19, 2024

The police followed the protesters closely using trucks, maintaining a heavy presence throughout the day.

"We are here because this bill is unfair and does not represent the will of the people," said Farida Farouq, a university student. "We want the president to listen to us. This bill needs to be scrapped and the process started anew, with genuine public participation."

Anti-riot police stand guard in Mombasa County, amid 'Occupy Parliament' protests against the Finance Bill, on June 19, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

The demonstrators first gathered outside the Central Police Station, where tensions quickly escalated as police officers attempted to disperse them by firing teargas. The protesters regrouped and continued their march through the city.

"This government needs to understand that we are serious," said a 25-year-old entrepreneur identified only as Sheila. "We are not asking for amendments. We are demanding a complete restart of the process. The youth of this country are tired of being ignored."

The bill has been a source of controversy since its introduction, with many arguing that it disproportionately burdens the lower and middle classes while favouring the wealthy. Its opponents have called for more transparency and public involvement in its drafting.

"We are facing tough economic times, and this bill is only going to make things worse for ordinary Kenyans," said Esther Wanjiku, a small business owner.

“We need our leaders to engage with us, to understand our struggles, and to come up with solutions that work for everyone, not just the rich."

#OccupyMombasa pic.twitter.com/P3LLw8I4A7
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 19, 2024

As the protesters marched through the city, some business people shut their doors, fearing looting and other such events, as recorded in past demonstrations, while traffic came to a halt.

Many residents supported the demonstrators, standing on sidewalks and cheering them on.

"We need to stand together to make our voices heard," said John Mwangi, one such person. "This is about our future and the future of our children. We cannot allow this bill to pass without proper input from the public."

The Mombasa protests are part of a larger, nationwide movement against the bill, with similar demonstrations reported in other major cities.