The Finance Bill 2024 has sparked intense controversy in Kenya. Despite passing through Parliament, President Ruto recently refused to sign it into law after widespread protests that even saw parts of Parliament and Governor Sakaja’s office burned.
Many Kenyans opposed the bill due to its proposed high taxes leading to the aforementioned nationwide protests. However, among the widespread rejection of the bill, here are celebrities who publicly supported the bill.
1. Nebz
Kenyan YouTuber Nebz vocally criticized those opposing the Finance Bill. He labeled them as lazy and encouraging them to find ways to double their income.
He stated that taxes play a crucial role in funding infrastructure and repaying national debt.
However, he was compelled to reverse his position and align himself with those opposing the Finance Bill. This is after he posted a video where he was seen being roughed up by several young men while on his knees. And the men (not in frame) made him declare his rejection of the Finance Bill.
“Reject the Finance Bill. Tuesday we turn up in black suits to reject the Finance Bill.” Nebz stated on his knees.
2. Cassypool
Aspiring Nairobi Governor Kevin Odhiambo popularly known as Cassy Pool was among the most vocal supporters of the contentious Finance Bill 2024
He said, “It will be hard for a short period, but I know President Ruto is doing it with Kenyan’s best interest at heart. We shall suffer a bit, then become like Singapore and Dubai.”
Cassypool also claimed that none of the veteran celebrated musicians, such as Redsan and Prezzo, were on the streets protesting against the Finance Bill. Instead, he argued that the celebrities who took to the streets were those who were once famous and were now trying to revive their stalled careers.
“Those who were present at the demonstrations were people who had nothing and were artistes who were very popular in their days. They are trying to get back their artistry through demos and posting. They went to take content during demos. We were seeing them.” Cassypool claimed.
Patronizingly, Cassypool, 39, accused Gen Zs participating in the protests of being there to find love interests and cope with depression.
“Wengi wamekuja kutafuta madame pale. Wengine kufanya exercise na wengine wako therapy kutoka depression wakikimbia up and down,” he insulted.
3. KRG The Don
Aspiring MP Karuga Kimani aka KRG the Don has been a vocal supporter of Finance Bill 2024. Despite facing criticism from his fans, who accuse him of siding with the government, KRG remained resolute in his stance. He said Kenyans like protesting about everything.
KRG made it clear that he wouldn’t fake opposition to the bill, acknowledging the benefits it offers.
“You need to heal from whatever trauma because each Kenyan has a right to support whomever they like. And I choose to support The President without hiding coz I know what benefits it brings to my table! Every man for his family, God for us all. The choice is yours,” KRG replied.
KRG accused celebrities of participating in the demonstrations for clout, suggesting they were protesting merely for content and likes.
“If they were genuinely fighting for their rights, at least two of them would have been arrested,” he stated
As a result, the self-dubbed Bughaa has experienced a mass unfollowing on Instagram and lost his TikTok account, which had over 480,000 followers.
4. Kenyan Prince
Controversial Forex trader and aspiring politician Raymond Omuse alias Kenyan Prince also vocally supported the Finance Bill 2024. He opined that Kenyans rejecting are complacent.
“Say yes to the Finance Bill, wake up from your comfort zone. And work hard. Yes to the Finance Bill.” he said.
“There is a good likelihood that HE President Ruto is not a fool, and therefore the Finance Bill might pass. The noise you are making in the streets is not going to stop anything?”
Until Kenyans proved him wrong by vehemently protesting against the Finance Bill, until President Ruto bowed to the pressure.
The Gen Z fellow has since backtracked and changed his tune.
He said, “I reject the Finance Bill.”
“I thought the Finance Bill was advantageous. But I do not know what is wrong with the Government. Am sorry to those I angered when I proposed amendments to the bill.”
By Vivian K.