Anti-finance Bill protests go countrywide as MPs finalise debate

Anti-finance Bill protestors have confirmed that they will go back to the streets on Thursday as they continue to lobby for the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024 by Members of Parliament.

This comes as the National Assembly will be holding two sessions ( Morning and afternoon) to continue debating the Bill.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula directed any MP planning to move an amendment to the Bill to do so by 1 pm Thursday.

The National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee tabled its report to Parliament on Tuesday following the Bill's public participation as legislators spent the better part of Wednesday discussing the proposed law.

Despite enduring the effects of teargas, spending hours in police cells, and engaging police in running battles around Nairobi CBD for most of Tuesday, the protestors have vowed to remain steadfast and return to the streets Thursday.

On Wednesday, youths from Mombasa County braved heavy rains to continue the 'Reject Finance Bill' protests.

The anti-finance bill protests have gained momentum as more counties are expected to join Nairobi in the demonstrations.

Mombasa County residents take part in anti-Finance Bill protests on June 19, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

As early as 6 am Tuesday, a heavy contingent of anti-riot police had been mobilised across Nairobi's Central Business District.

Armed with anti-riot gear, the police were spotted walking on foot while some were patrolling with vehicles and trucks along the roads especially leading on those leading to Parliament.

Counties considered to be President William Ruto's backyard; Uasin Gishu and Nakuru also gave notice that the youths would hold peaceful protests.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga's backyard has also not been left as Kisumu and Migori counties also plan to join the protests.

Counties from the Mt Kenya region: Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Nyeri will also participate in the protests.

Garissa and Isiolo counties from the Northern region will also hold protests

From the Western region, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Kakamega are also expected to hold demonstrations.

Also expected to take part in the protests are Laikipia and Kilifi counties.

Anti-riot police use tear gas to disperse people from the Nairobi central business district on June 18, 2024, during protests against the Finance Bill, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan/EV)

While responding to Tuesday's protests President William Ruto said that despite everything Kenyans have a right to demonstrate and at the end of the day decisions have to be made by institutions.

"We are a democratic country and we have no problem. Those who want to demonstrate can demonstrate. That it is the right. But decisions have to be made by institutions," he said at State House.

Police on Tuesday arrested several 'Occupy Parliament' protesters as they engaged protestors in day-long running battles in the Nairobi CBD.

Teargas was deployed to disperse the demonstrators, with plainclothes officers also involved in making the arrests.

Journalists were also caught in the crossfire, with injuries reported during clashes between police and demonstrators.

HAKI Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, Activist Boniface Mwangi and The Eastleigh Voice's Hanifa Adan were among those who were arrested but were later released.

In preparation for the protest, flyers were being distributed physically to passers-by as early as Monday, others were pasted on the walls of buildings while others were being shared across social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, X ( former Twitter) and TikTok.

The organizers of the peaceful protest said people should start gathering from noon with the dress code for the day being black.

"Carry placard, handkerchief and bottle of water," the poster reads.

Protesters often arm themselves with bottles of water and handkerchiefs in anticipation should teargas be lobbed at them.

Rinsing eyes with plain water is known to wash off the burning sensation of chemicals contained in teargas.

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