The wave of unrest swept through Nakuru County as demonstrators opposing President William Ruto's Finance Bill 2024 intensified their protests, culminating in the arson attack on the home of the Chairperson of the Finance and Planning Committee of the National Assembly.
The attack on Thursday afternoon saw angry protesters loot and set ablaze the MP's residence, heightening the tension surrounding the controversial tax proposals.
Earlier in today, chaos erupted in the Parliament after a group of anti-tax demonstrators stormed the House.
The protesters, who had clashed with police throughout the day, gained access to the Parliament Buildings via Uhuru Highway shortly after lawmakers passed the highly contested Finance Bill.
The MPs, in a bid to escape the escalating violence, evacuated to Bunge Towers through an underground channel as police engaged the protesters.
The Finance Bill 2024, spearheaded by President Ruto, has faced fierce opposition from many Kenyans who view its tax proposals as punitive.
Kuria Kimani, the chairman of the National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee, has become a focal point of public ire, particularly for his support of the new taxes on bread and vehicles. His rural home, now a symbol of the public’s anger, was nearly overrun as protesters hurled stones and smashed windows, forcing police to use teargas to disperse the crowd.
Despite the police's efforts, the situation almost spiralled out of control, prompting a call for reinforcements to secure the MP’s residence.
Kimani has been the target of intense criticism, especially on social media, where he has been lambasted for backing the controversial tax measures. The Finance Bill’s passage has only amplified the animosity, leading to widespread protests.
In Nakuru town, tensions flared as protesters attempted to storm the residence of Nakuru East MP David Gikaria.
Situated along Section 58 road, near State House Nakuru, the MP’s home became a battleground as security forces fired in the air to repel the advancing crowd.
Demonstrators, chanting anti-tax slogans, condemned Gikaria for his support of the Finance Bill, underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the new tax measures.
The unrest did not stop there. Protesters also targeted the offices of Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama and Rongai MP Paul Chebor, further demonstrating the depth of public opposition to the Finance Bill. These incidents reflect the growing discontent among Kenyans, who see the new taxes as an unfair burden amid already challenging economic conditions.
The Finance Bill 2024 has thus ignited a significant political and social crisis in Kenya. Lawmakers supporting the Bill are facing backlash not only in the streets but also on social media, where public sentiment is overwhelmingly negative.
