Kenyans on Thursday, June 20, continue to mobilise against the #RejectFinanceBill24 campaign for a second day this week, calling on President William Ruto’s administration to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The bill aims to generate Ksh348 billion in additional revenue through tax hikes on various sectors, including Road Maintenance Levies and Export Levies. Protest actions have spread beyond Nairobi, with demonstrations reported in Eldoret, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
5:45 PM - Hundreds of Protesters Congregate at Kenyatta Avenue
Hundreds of anti-Finance Bill protesters have congregated on Kenyatta Avenue as the National Assembly continues deliberations on the Finance Bill 2024.
Reports indicate one person has been shot at the Archives area. Earlier, protestors have displayed several cartridges from bullets. The protestors claim the police are using live bullets.
The protesters, who have been clashing with police since 11 AM, remain defiant in their opposition to the Bill. Earlier today, the National Assembly voted to advance the Bill to the next stage, where MPs will now debate proposed amendments.
In a show of solidarity with the protesters, MPs allied with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition reported that the Parliament Buildings had been engulfed with tear gas.
These MPs have vowed to join the protesters in their stand against the Bill.
“Demonstrations must not stop until we topple the oppressor,” stated Babu Owino.
5:30pm - Violence Erupts in Kisumu Protests Lead to Injuries
Protests in Kisumu have escalated dangerously, with reports of two women sustaining injuries during anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. One woman was shot, and another was struck by a teargas canister, prompting their immediate transfer to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
The demonstrations erupted early Thursday in Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga. Protesters joined others across the nation in denouncing the Finance Bill, which they have labelled as 'punitive'.
2:20pm - Protesters Block Thika Superhighway
Anti-Finance Bill protesters have brought traffic to a standstill on Thika Road near Allsops as part of nationwide demonstrations. The usually busy highway is completely blocked on the lanes leading into the capital, with protesters voicing their discontent.
Motorists have turned to social media to vent their frustration over the gridlock, which has resulted in massive traffic jams.
The situation is mirrored at the entrance of Thika Town, particularly in the Jomoko area, where another group of protesters has also blocked the highway.
So far, the demonstrations in these areas have remained peaceful.
1:20pm - Chaos Erupts in Nairobi Protests
Police and protestors are clashing in a chaotic scene on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, with tear gas and stones flying through the air.
Police are advancing towards hundreds of protestors who have gathered at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Koinange Street near JKUAT Towers.
The situation has escalated, with officers employing batons, water cannons, and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Despite the heavy-handed police response, the protestors remain defiant, insisting that the Finance Bill must be rejected in its entirety.
Live images online depict significant damage to vehicles, though it remains unclear whether the destruction has been caused by tear gas canisters launched by the police or by the protestors themselves.
12:45pm - Civil Society Mobilises for Protester Protection
The Law Society of Kenya, Kenya Medical Association, Defenders Coalition, Independent Medical Legal Unit, and Amnesty International have mobilised observers, legal and medical helplines, and resources nationwide.
"We are committed to protecting all protesters who peacefully exercise their constitutional rights to free expression and assembly to the best of our ability," the organisations declared in a joint statement.
These five civil society groups have also issued a stern warning to the National Police Service, urging them to refrain from excessive force, intimidation, and arbitrary or unlawful arrests of Kenyans. They have called on all protesters to report any incidents, including arrests.
As of Wednesday evening, the Law Society of Kenya confirmed that all arrested protesters had been released. Over 300 protesters were detained during Tuesday’s demonstrations.
According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), two officers have been injured in the ongoing protests so far.
12:00pm - Clashes Erupt in Nairobi as Police Disperse Protesters
In Nairobi, police officers fired tear gas at protesters on Koinange Street, sparking 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.
Protestors and the police mounted on horses are engaged in running battles in the CBD.
11:45 am - Hundreds of Eldoret Youths Protest
In Eldoret, situated in President Ruto's political backyard, hundreds of frustrated youths have surged into the Central Business District (CBD) to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.
Images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, show an angry youth bringing down a UDA-branded wheelbarrow in Eldoret CBD.
The sentiment resonates similarly 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.
"Our message is crystal clear: we demand the complete rejection of this Finance Bill. It's time to stop squandering our resources. We want to see our taxes put to good use," declared one protester to the media.
"Finance Bill 2023 had a devastating impact on many. Countless lost their jobs when factories shuttered. It's high time Ruto reads the public sentiment. Any MP who votes in favour of this Finance Bill, rest assured, we will vote them out in 2027," affirmed Simon Sangale from Nakuru, reflecting the resolve of the demonstrators.
10:30am - Kisumu Residents Up in Arms, By Timothy Cerullo
Residents of Kondele in Kisumu on Thursday staged demonstrations in protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
In the videos that have since been shared widely, the protestors could be spotted hoisting huge placards as they sought to air their grievances.
While expressing their fury, the demonstrators called on the legislators to halt the amendments and instead, drop the entire bill.
“We said reject it, no edits,” read one of the placards held by a demonstrator.
The demonstrators went ahead to block the main highway accessing the Kisumu City Central Business District (CBD), causing major traffic disruption.
9:00am - MPs Raise Concerns of Over Police Presence Around Parliament
Legislators, led by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, have voiced growing concerns over the significant presence of officers encircling Parliament buildings and government offices along Harambee Avenue in Nairobi.
According to Wandayi, accessing the National Assembly has become increasingly difficult for MPs currently engaged in debating the Finance Bill 2024.
MP Sylvanus Osoro criticised the pervasive police presence, decrying what he perceived as officers idling in the sun and awaiting security support from protestors.
Others who have raised questions include Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa.
08:30am - Speaker Wetangula Makes a Prayer
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula began the National Assembly sitting on Thursday, June 20, with a prayer as the legislators continued to debate the Finance Bill 2024.
