A group of Kenyans held counter-protests on Tuesday to persuade Members of Parliament to pass the Finance Bill 2024.
In videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the protestors marched along Lang'ata Road holding placards with messages such as 'Pitisha Finance Bill' (Pass the Finance Bill).
The group criticised fellow Kenyans opposing the bill, suggesting that those participating in anti-finance bill demonstrations should cease their protests and return to work.
Some placards were in support of the MPs who had voted in favour of the bill, urging them to maintain their stance until it was assented to law by President William Ruto.
"Tunasimama na serikali, tuna support prezzo #Pitisha Finance Bill (We stand with the government and support the President #Pass the Finance Bill)" read one of the placards.
Similar protests were witnessed in sections of Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County where some residents expressed their MP Kimani Ichung'wah and his support for the bill.
The protestors argued that if the bill is enacted, it will create channels for more development financing which will benefit a majority of Kenyans.
Notably, the pro-finance bill protests occurred while a larger section of the residents opposed the proposed controversial bill. Some had blocked the South Bypass disrupting transport.
These protests are being held concurrently with other nationwide demonstrations rejecting the bill and calling for it to be dropped.
Besides this group of Kenyans, a section of MPs support the bill led by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah and his Molo counterpart Kuria Kimani.
The two leaders have emphasised that the bill has more benefits for Kenyans compared to the negatives being shared by the opposition and the protestors.
However, the MPs have reiterated that some amendments will be made to the bill to reflect some of the changes proposed by Kenyans who argue the bill would only increase the cost of living.
Last week the Finance Committees approved the removal of some proposed taxes including motor vehicle tax, eco levy on locally made goods, VAT on bread, excise duty on vegetable oil, VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions among other changes.
