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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the government to listen to Kenyans following the anti-Finance Bill protests that turned chaotic on Tuesday, June 25.

In a statement, Uhuru advised elected leaders to embrace dialogue and find solutions to the issues facing Kenyans.

According to Uhuru, listening was not a choice for elected leaders but a mandate.

The former President also expressed his sympathies over the loss of lives that were witnessed in the Tuesday protests.

President William Ruto speaking at the 9th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day Celebrations in Meru County on June 13, 2023.

PCS

"At this trying time for our Country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people.

"Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy," he stated.

Uhuru made the remarks shortly after President William Ruto addressed the nation. In his address, Ruto expressed the Tuesday events as treasonous.

Ruto alleged that the peaceful protests had been hijacked by criminal elements adding that the government would counter their actions.

"I have directed all organs of our national security to deploy measures to thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country," Ruto stated. 

"As the people of Kenya go to bed tonight, I give you my assurance that the safety of your families and properties remains my utmost priority."

Here is the Statement by Uhuru;

My fellow Kenyans,

I come to you with a heavy heart. Saddened by the loss of lives occasioned by the current situation prevailing in our country. it is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010. It is also the duty of leaders to listen to those they lead.

At this trying time for our country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people. Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy.

Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people.

I, therefore, call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not be antagonistic to them. Violence on either side is not the answer.

As your former president, I have felt the weight and the difficulty of leading Kenya. I, therefore, pray for wisdom and civility to be established and for peace and progress to belong to all of us as children of Kenya.

Dear Kenyans, I stand with you and I ask our leadership to embrace dialogue and speak to the people and not at the people. I pray for peace and understanding on the part of each and every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed.

Human Rights Activists leading anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests outside Parliament on June 18, 2024.

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Boniface Mwangi

 

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Tuesday, June 25, announced the deployment of the military to help police officers manage the ongoing demonstrations.

In a gazette notice, the CS stated that the move was reached after a section of demonstrators resorted to interfering with critical infrastructure.

According to Duale, the Tuesday protests resulted in a security emergency that needed the intervention of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service,” read part of the gazette notice.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale speaking during an event

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Aden Duale

“This is in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.”

On Tuesday Kenyans across the country took to the streets to demonstrate after Members of Parliament passed the contentious Finance Bill 2024.

However, the mostly peaceful protests quickly culminated into a violent one after the government decided to deploy its police officers to manage the demonstrators.

The demonstrators while expressing their fury turned to the police officers and began pelting objects at them.

In response to the provocation, the officers began dispersing tear gas canisters even as demonstrators in Nairobi threatened to access the parliament buildings.

As chaos intensified, the rowdy demonstrators overwhelmed police officers and gained access to the Bunge Tower, where parliamentarians officiate their meetings.

The move prompted a swift and decisive response from the officers who allegedly fired live bullets at a section of protestors, killing and maiming some.

While confirming reports on police shootings, the Kenya Human Rights Commission disclosed that about five anti-Finance Bill protestors had been shot.

According to the KHRC, police officers manning the parliament buildings reportedly shot five protestors, killing one.

The commission condemned the killing terming it as unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights.

"Police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights," the Kenya Human Rights Commission noted in a statement.

Protesters teargassed in Nairobi.

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Abc News

Standard Group's KTN has reported that the government has threatened to shut them down.

Through an announcement during their live coverage at 4:09 pm, it was announced that there were threats to shut down the media house based along Mombasa Road.

The media house did not detail the specific office or the individual who had threatened to shut them.

However, it was noted that the threats emerged as a result of the live coverage of the Tuesday protests.

KTN announcing threats of a shutdown on June 25, 2024.

Kenyans.co.ke

On the other hand, SG maintained that its journalists would continue with their work and inform the public of what was happening.

"We have received threats from the government of intentions to shut us down. 

"We would like to inform the public of our commitment to defend public interests and we shall not be cowed by any threats even as we continue to inform the public of the happening on the ground," the news anchor announced.

The anti-Finance Bill protests turned chaotic on Tuesday after some protesters accessed Parliament.

This caused authorities to repulse the protesters, leading to the death of some protesters. Human rights organisations have reported four deaths so far.

However, police were yet to confirm the deaths at the time of publication.

The Finance Bill 2024 was passed in the National Assembly on Tuesday after 195 MPs voted in favour of the Bill.

The majority of the lawmakers who supported the Bill belong to the Kenya Kwanza faction.

Following the passage of the Bill,  President William Ruto is expected to assent to the Bill which introduced new tax measures.

One of the tax proposals included in the Finance Bill 2024 is the Eco Levy that will be imposed on finished imported goods.

Protesters have been against the imposition of new taxes owing to the cost of living that remains high for many Kenyans.

On the other hand, the government maintains that it needs to collect taxes to implement developments projects and build the country.

MPs in Parliament during the Budget 2024 reading.

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Parliament

A section of Parliament buildings on Tuesday afternoon was seen to be on fire on Tuesday afternoon.

In live videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, smoke was seen to be billowing from the parliament buildings.

This was after some protestors managed to gain access to the buildings after overpowering the police who had barricaded the barriers

Individuals were seen scampering for safety from the buildings as police worked to restrain protestors.

A contingent of police officers standing outside parliament buildings ahead of mass demonstrations

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However, the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. 

Media reports explained that the law enforcement authorities were within the grounds aiming to evacuate the Members of Parliament.

The MPs were evacuated through the underground tunnel of parliament with majority of them still hidden in the basement.

Further, journalists on the scene reported that some of the MPS within the parliament buildings who were marooned collapsed while the police scampered to get them to safety.

Videos of the parliament buildings also depicted the buildings having been infiltrated with property destroyed .

Some individuals also made their way to the Senate buildings where flags were uprooted and office property also broken with the debris strewn all over the floors.

In a dramatic escalation of anti-finance bill demonstrations, protestors not only stormed Parliament Buildings but also set ablaze offices at Nairobi City Hall, which houses key administrative offices including those of Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Video footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke captured the intense scenes as parts of the City Hall went up in flames amidst clashes between protestors and police along City Hall Way.

Kenyans during anti-finance bill protests in Nairobi CBD on June 2024

Reuters

Chief Justice Martha Koome has assured that the courts will work for extended hours after cases of mysterious abductions shoot up in less than a week.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the CJ criticised the abductions which have seen north of 15 activists kidnapped by mysterious gun-wielding gangs.

"I have noted with deep concern the numerous allegations regarding the abductions of protesters amid the ongoing mass protests in our country. Such actions, executed by persons not identifying themselves and without presenting the abducted individuals before a court of law, amount to a direct assault on the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism, which are our guiding national values and principles of governance as enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution," she stated.

While urging justice agencies, Koome therefore noted that the courts were ready to extend their working hours should the arrested individuals be presented before them.

Digital activist Gabriel Oguda

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Gabriel Oguda

"Agencies within the justice sector, working under the auspices of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), have in the past committed to working towards ensuring that ours becomes a human rights-based criminal justice system that adheres to the Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights, and the law. I therefore urge all agencies in the justice sector to process any criminal actions lawfully and to investigate and address the allegations regarding abductions related to the ongoing protests with utmost urgency," she added.

"I take this opportunity to assure the nation that the courts are prepared to operate beyond standard working hours if the abducted persons are presented before court and also to consider any petitions for habeas corpus. This commitment is to ensure that our nation continues on the path of the rule of law and constitutionalism and to guarantee that all state and non-state actors operate within the strict boundaries erected by our Bill of Rights."

Her statement came hours after protesters lamented that several activists among them Osama Otero and Gabriel Oguda were picked up in the wee hours of Tuesday from their homes.

Reports indicated that they were taken by armed individuals believed to be linked to the security sector.

Earlier, Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that several of the abducted individuals were subsequently released among them her Chief of Staff Ernest Nyerere, Nadia Nthia, and Shadrack Kiprono aka Shad.

Others, however, remain missing with their whereabouts unknown.

Before the second and third readings of the Finance Bill 2024 in Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula directed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa to urgently liaise with Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to ascertain Oguda's whereabouts within the next two hours.

The directive was given after National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi noted with concern that mysterious men believed to be police officers abducted Oguda at 2:00 am.

"I will direct the Majority Leader to get in touch with the IG and find out about the officer working at the Minority Leader’s office and report back,” directed Wetangula.

Protests against the Finance Bill continued countrywide even as lawmakers embarked on the voting exercise to pass or reject the bill.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during State of the Nation Address in 2023.

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PSC

Members of Parliament on Tuesday, June 25 passed the Finance Bill 2024 with the amendments.

The Bill was passed after being supported by a majority of the Kenya Kwanza parliamentarians. Azimio lawmakers rejected the Bill entirely.

195 MPs voted to adopt the Bill with amendments while 106 MPs voted NO.

The Bill will now proceed to the Third Reading before being taken to President William Ruto for assent.

President William Ruto (seated) signs Finance Bill 2023 into Law at State House, Nairobi on Monday, June 26, 2023.

PCS

It is expected to assent of the Bill will be done anytime during the week.

Following its adoption various tax proposals will come into effect depending on the schedule proposed in the Bill. 

During the Committee Stage, some of the notable amendments that were proposed were the removal of the Motor Vehicle Tax and the restriction of the Eco Levy to finished imported goods.

Other adopted amendments included making the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) tax deductible.

Notably, members of the opposition opted to withdraw the amendments noting that they could not amend a flawed Bill.

“We had extensive deliberation yesterday as Azimio we withdrew the amendments because would have been an exercise of futility and a means to sanitize the Finance Bill process,” he stated.

The contentious Bill has seen nationwide protests across the country including in Nairobi.

The protests have always been held on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Parliament is in session.

Human Rights Activists leading anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests outside Parliament on June 18, 2024.

Photo

Boniface Mwangi

UPDATE: The Ministry of Education maintains that dates for mid-term break for all primary and secondary schools remain unchanged.

Schools were scheduled to release students between June 26 and June 28 and resume on June 30, 2024.

The Ministry of Education has allowed boarding schools to release their students for half term break beginning Monday, June 24.

This is an impromptu change to the school calendar. Earlier, the second term's half term break was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 26.

In a memo to school principals, the Ministry of Education explained that early departure is designed to give students and parents ample time to make travel plans ahead of the planned Finance Bill protests planned for Tuesday.

Some of the school principals, as a result, sent messages to parents notifying them to pick the students beginning today failure to which, they will only be able to pick students on Wednesday.

Kenyan students protesting hiked school fees in August 2017.

Kenyans.co.ke

Students in day schools will be allowed to start their half term break after the close of the academic day today.

Since Tuesday last week, Kenyan citizens, the majority of whom are Gen Zs, have been taking to the streets to reject the Finance Bill 2024 proposals.

On Thursday last week, the protests erupted across the country cutting across cities and other towns among them Eldoret, Nanyuki, and Nyeri among others.

At the tail-end of May, the Ministry revised the half term dates for the second term to run between June 26 to June 30.

In a letter at the time, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang noted that the change had been necessitated by the change of opening date after the impact of flooding.

"Following the disruption of the opening dates, it has been decided that the half-term dates for term two 2024 be revised," read the memo in part.

"The change may require adjustments on planned activities and schedules."

Before the flooding, the calendar had spelt out that the half-term period would last between June 20 to June 23. At the time, school reopening had been scheduled for Monday, April 29 before Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu postponed the dates.

Education PS Belio Kipsang makes his remarks during the Bennial Universities Fund Conference on February 23, 2023.

EduMin

Members of Kenya's National Assembly have advanced the controversial Finance Bill 2024 despite widespread public outcry, setting the stage for intense parliamentary debates in the days leading up to the June 30 deadline.

A total of 204 MPs voted in favour of progressing the Bill, 115 voted against it, and abstentions were zero. The Bill will now enters the Second Reading. 

The decision follows a contentious vote after the Bill's First Reading, signalling lawmakers' intent to move forward amidst mounting opposition from citizens demanding its rejection.

The legislative maneuver, however, does not confer immediate legal status upon the bill. The bill still has two more stages before before becoming law.

It now faces scrutiny in the Committee of the Whole House, where proposed amendments will undergo rigorous evaluation.

Divisions have crystallised along coalition lines, with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition vehemently opposing the Bill while the Kenya Kwanza Coalition remains supportive.

Led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, the National Assembly Finance Committee has proposed some changes aimed at cooling the heavy objections to the bill.

Molo MP Kuria Kimani at a committee hearing on the Finance Bill 2024 on June 4, 2024.

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Parliament of Kenya

Among the amendments unveiled are adjustments to excise duties on mobile money transfers, reducing them from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, and the elimination of 16 per cent VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions, aimed at easing financial burdens on consumers.

In a move to protect local industries, the committee has recommended imposing excise duties on imported onions and potatoes while removing such levies on imported eggs.

Notably, the committee has also scrapped the 16 per cent VAT on bread, although the categorisation of bread under tax schedules remains unresolved.

Furthermore, the committee has proposed repealing the 2.5 per cent motor vehicle tax, citing concerns over its impact on the insurance sector and advocating against its inclusion in Income Tax regulations.

Additionally, small-scale farmers with annual turnovers below Ksh1 million may find relief as they are exempted from mandatory usage of the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (e-Tims).

The Finance Bill now enters a critical phase where all MPs will have the opportunity to shape its final form through further deliberations and amendments.

A subsequent vote, expected next week, will determine whether the Bill progresses to adoption, thereby enacting it into law effective July 1.

Failure to pass the Finance Bill would precipitate a fiscal crisis. The outcome holds significant implications for Kenya's national budget and economic policy moving forward.

Protestors in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 18.

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Mwangi Kirubi, Twitter

The entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of comedian Fred Omondi, who died in a car accident on Friday, June 14.

Omondi, who gained prominence in the late 2000s, was involved in a tragic road accident and was subsequently rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital, where he passed away.

The incident was reported to the Buruburu Police Station. The police report reveals that Fred was on a motorcycle when it collided head-on with a bus near the Caltex petrol station early Saturday morning. 

According to an OB obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, Fred was a passenger on a boda boda that tragically collided head-on with a mini-bus travelling in the wrong direction along Kangundo Road in Nairobi. He died on the spot.

Fred's family has confirmed that his body is currently at the Mama Lucy Hospital mortuary.

Reports from the police indicate that the boda boda rider sustained severe injuries, including multiple leg injuries and fractures to both hands.

He was swiftly transported to Mama Lucy Hospital for urgent medical attention. Authorities have identified the driver of the mini-bus, which operates on the Kayole route.

A past picture of Fred Omondi.

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Fred

"The rider suffered serious multiple injuries to both legs and fractures in both hands. He was rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital for treatment, and the body of the deceased is now at the hospital mortuary pending a postmortem," the police report stated.

His brother Eric mourned him in a line on Facebook saying, "Go well, brother."

Fred Omondi, the younger brother of celebrated comedian and activist Eric Omondi, carved out a niche for himself in the comedy world.

He was a popular events emcee and a former member of the renowned Churchill Show.

In a past interview, Fred revealed that it was his older brother Eric Omondi motivated him to pursue a career in comedy.

Fred Omondi had planned to spend his weekend in Meru, as he shared on his Instagram stories earlier. His sudden demise has left fans and fellow comedians in shock and sorrow.

Fred Omondi pausing for a picture.

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Fred

Terence Creative, mourning the loss of Fred, described him as a brother with whom he had shared the stage numerous times and who had significantly contributed to his career growth. "He was more than a colleague; he was family," Terence stated.

Terence added, "Together we suffered, together we learned and together we inspired, made people laugh and created great memories. All this I will treasure and hold dearly.

Ministry of Interior CAS, Millicent Omanga, expressed her condolences on X, stating, "The creative industry has lost a gem. Fred Omondi brightened our living rooms with his addictive comedy renditions. That he has tragically lost his life in a road accident is heart-rending. I commiserate with his family, friends, and his fans. May his soul find perfect peace."

Makadara Chief Magistrate Monica Kivuti has tragically passed away, reportedly succumbing to injuries sustained when she was shot by a police officer.

The magistrate was shot on Thursday, June 13, during an open-court session following a ruling involving the police officer's wife. 

Following the shooting incident, Kivuti was subsequently transferred to Nairobi Hospital for treatment, where she later passed away.

While confirming the incident, Chief Justice Martha Koome noted that Monica Kivuti's body had since been moved to the Lee Funeral Home as the family commences burial preparations.

An undated photo of the Makadara Law Courts.

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Makadara Law Courts

"The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief," CJ Koome stated.

"A comprehensive statement by the Judiciary Leadership Team which is in a meeting presently will be issued shortly," she added.

Reports suggest that Kivuti sustained a gunshot wound to the chest during the incident.

Similarly, the OCS who shot her also succumbed after he was shot by officers who quickly intervened in the matter.

In the court case, the officer's wife had been accused in a case of obtaining money amounting to Ksh2.9 million by false pretence.

Upon receiving the message about the magistrate's shooting, CJ Koome directed the Makadara Law Courts to be shut until June 17 to allow for security reinforcement at the court.

“All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts,” CJ Koome stated.

Martha Koome also ordered the banning of all armed individuals from being allowed within the court premises except for those accredited to offer security at courtrooms.

The office of the Inspector General was directed to jointly with the National Council of Administration of Justice actors to review the security protocols regarding the handling of accused persons in the courtroom.

Chief Justice Martha Koome reading her ruling on the BBI Appeal at the Supreme Court on March 31, 2022.

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Judiciary