Today’s protests have expanded to multiple counties across Kenya, including Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
In the era where Generation Z (Gen Z) properly announced themselves to the Republic of Kenya, the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests entered the third day in a row, spreading to major towns across the country.
Today’s protests have expanded to multiple counties across Kenya, including Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
Background
The Finance Bill 2024 has sparked widespread discontent due to its proposed tax increases on essential goods and services, including a 25% excise duty on edible oils and increased charges on mobile money transfers.
Civil society groups, industry organizations, and opposition leaders have united in their opposition, arguing that the bill will exacerbate the high cost of living and disproportionately impact low and middle-income earners.
The protests have also drawn international attention, with both the African Union and Anonymous hacker groups warning the Kenyan government against interference in the protests.
Keep refreshing this page as Viral Tea provides you with the latest updates, reactions and analysis of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests:
12.00 pm: Clashes In Nairobi As Police Teargas Protesters
In Nairobi, police officers fired tear gas at protesters on Koinange Street, engaging protesters in running battles in the CBD.
The confrontation escalated as protesters moved towards Uhuru Highway near the GPO Building, prompting officers to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
11.45 am: Protesters Grind Eldoret To A Halt
Protesters also turned up in numbers at President William Ruto’s hometown with hundreds of frustrated youth marching to the Central Business District (CBD) to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.
A video seen by Viral Tea showed the protesters bringing down a UDA-branded wheelbarrow in Eldoret CBD.
Protesters in Eldoret bring down a wheelbarrow donned with UDA colours#RejectFinanceBill2024 #ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/Dxor8fdrOj
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) June 20, 2024
The furore was also evident in Nakuru, a political stronghold shared by both President Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua. Here, young demonstrators have gathered in the CBD to protest what they deem a punitive Finance Bill.