This Finance Bill has sparked opposition among Kenyan citizens, leading to protests against it.
Anonymous, a decentralized international activist and hacktivist collective and movement primarily known for its various cyberattacks against several governments, government institutions, government agencies, corporations and the Church of Scientology, on Wednesday, July 19 issued a stern warning to the Kenyan government and Members of Parliament.
In its video message shared online and which has since gone viral, the group criticised the government’s attempt at imposing more taxes on Kenyans through the Finance Bill 2024.
This Finance Bill has sparked opposition among Kenyan citizens, leading to protests against it.
The group also boldly accused President William Ruto of using police officers to cause brutality amongst protesters, including the use of live bullets against them.
Police officers lobbing teargas at Nairobi CBD on different locations on June 18, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE
“Greetings, Citizens of the world. This is a warning message to William Ruto, the Kenyan Government, and all members of parliament from Anonymous. It has come to our attention that there are discussions in parliament to pass the finance bill, which will unfairly tax the citizens of Kenya,” the message begins.
“Kenyan citizens attempting peaceful demonstrations are being unfairly harassed, arrested, and shot at with live bullets by the police force under your command.”
Anonymous, known globally for its cyber attacks against organizations and governments they accuse of corruption or injustice, has a long history of high-profile actions.
Their notable achievements include hacking into the websites of major corporations like Sony and PayPal, as well as government entities such as the CIA and the Church of Scientology.
While they have targeted various nations for social justice causes, this marks one of their first major threats against Kenya. They therefore took note of numbers belonging to MPs circulating online, hinting at the possibility of cyber attacks that would expose their secrets.
“Soon, there will be an uprising of hackers, many of whom may reside in your home country. Your secrets may no longer be safe, and there is a chance that all these secrets will be exposed to show how corrupt and unjust members of this parliament are, embezzling public funds for personal gain.”
Today, June 20, protests are expected to peak as Kenyans march under the banner of #OccupyParliament to demand the rejection of the Finance Bill. The group thus urged Kenyan MPs to reject the Finance Bill in its entirety.
“On Thursday, the 20th of June, Kenyans will march and #OccupyParliament. We do not want you to amend the Finance Bill; we want you to reject it. Listen to the cries of your citizens, or the people of the world will resist you every step of the way,” Anonymous declared.
The group’s message concluded with a rallying cry for unity and resistance: “Citizens of Kenya, do not worry, Tuko Pamoja! We are Anonymous, We are Legion, Expect us!”
Critics argue that the bill’s proposed taxes, including increased VAT on essential goods such as bread, higher excise duties on fuel, and new levies on mobile money transactions, will disproportionately impact the poor and middle class, exacerbating the already high cost of living.
As Kenya braces for what could be a significant day of protests, the government is yet to respond to both the public outcry and Anonymous’s threats.
Police surrounding protesters in Nairobi CBD on June 18, 2024. /ALI OLE MANZU