#RejectFinanceBill2024: Kenyans Prepare for New Round of #OccupyParliament Protests

Kenyans nationwide are preparing for #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests opposing the Finance Bill, 2024, in a movement dubbed #Occupy Parliament Reloaded. Boniface Mwangi, a key organizer, has directed Kenyans to converge at multiple city locations before marching to Parliament. Gathering points include Ambassadeur/Archives, Nation Centre, Supreme Court, Skate Park, Taifa Road, Kencom Stage, and City Hall Way, with a call for early arrival and vigilance.

Scheduled to start at 11 am at the CBD, participants are advised to wear colourful but defiant clothing, carry whistles or vuvuzelas, bear placards for MPs, and bring drinking water and glucose. Mwangi assured protestors of police cooperation to ensure peace and security, with preparations by multi-agency teams already underway and concerns about potential disruptions to Parliament sessions when the Bill is debated on June 20.

In the face of potential provocations, Mwangi stressed maintaining calm and a peaceful demeanour, enforcing a strict prohibition on alcohol, violence, weapons, or property damage during the march. He urged vigilance against disruptive elements and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to the police.

Amidst mounting public outcry, Kenyan authorities responded to the protests by revising some of the proposed taxes in the Finance Bill but Kenyans are adamant that the whole bill should be scrapped. This move followed street demonstrations in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 18, that effectively halted parliamentary proceedings where protesters denounced new taxes including a 16% levy on bread.

Chairman of the parliamentary finance committee, Kuria Kimani, announced the tax reversals at a press conference attended by President Williams Ruto and other lawmakers, aimed at easing tensions in the country. Since assuming office in 2022, Ruto has introduced various taxes to address Kenya's $80 billion national debt, reduce borrowing, and increase revenue.

The tax hikes sparked widespread protests over the high cost of living, with police responding by arresting over 200 protesters. Amnesty International Kenya condemned the crackdown, citing mass arrests and injuries among peaceful protesters and observers. They called for the immediate release of all detainees and urged authorities to uphold citizens' rights to peaceful assembly.

QUICK BITES

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