The Kenya Finance Bill protests, which have gained significant attention under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, represent a series of decentralized mass demonstrations across Kenya. These protests are primarily driven by a proposed tax increase introduced by the Government of Kenya in Parliament. The movement is notably led by Gen Z Kenyans, aiming to exert pressure on lawmakers and members of Parliament to reject the Kenya Finance Bill 2024. This resistance is fueled by widespread anger over the escalating cost of living and the burden of increasing taxes.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 18 June 2024 – present (1 week and 1 day) |
| Location | Kenya |
| Causes | – Proposed bill in Parliament that would increase taxes |
| – Corruption | |
| – Alleged detentions of critics | |
| Methods | – Protests, demonstrations, civil disobedience, civil resistance, online activism, riots |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Parties Involved | Government of Kenya: Parliament of Kenya, Kenya Police, Kenya Defence Forces |
| Protesters: Youth protesters, Communist Party of Kenya, Central Organization of Trade Unions | |
| Casualties and Damages | – Deaths: 22 |
| – Injuries: 31 | |
| – Arrested: 283 | |
| – Damage: The Kenya Parliament building is set on fire |
As the protests gained momentum, lawmakers were scheduled to convene on June 25 to vote on proposed changes to the bill. In anticipation of this, the protesters called for a nationwide strike and acts of civil disobedience on the same day.
Escalation of Protests
The protests reached a significant escalation on June 20, spreading nationwide to major cities and regions including Nairobi, Eldoret, Garissa, Isiolo, Kisumu, Nakuru, Narok, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, and Viheri. Security forces were deployed to manage the situation, employing water cannons, tear gas, and reportedly even live ammunition. The violent confrontations resulted in at least two deaths and over 200 injuries, with human rights advocates claiming that the police arrested more than 100 protesters.
Historical Context
The roots of the current protests trace back to the anti-government demonstrations in 2023, following the implementation of tax reforms under the “Kenya Finance Bill 2023.” These earlier protests, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, resulted in six deaths and numerous injuries. The current movement began on social media platforms such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), evolving into physical demonstrations by June 18, 2024. The protests have predominantly attracted a younger demographic and human rights activists, spreading nationwide by June 20 as police clamped down on demonstrators.
Casualties and Police Response
Despite the mostly peaceful nature of the protests, the violent crackdown by security forces led to significant casualties. Among those injured was a police officer who lost both arms due to a tear gas canister explosion. The protests on June 20 saw the deaths of two demonstrators from injuries sustained during clashes with the police. Journalists and observers were also among the injured, prompting investigations by Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the use of live ammunition by police.
The Kenya Finance Bill 2024
The 2024 Finance Bill represents the first in a series of tax reforms under a Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) devised by the Kenyan government in 2023. The MTRS aims to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio from 13.5% to at least 20% between 2024 and 2027. Some of the significant changes proposed in the original 2024 Finance Bill include:
- Eco Levy: A levy on imported products harmful to the environment, such as sanitary towels, diapers, motorcycles, tyres, plastic packaging, electronic devices, and audio-visual recording equipment.
- Data Protection Amendment: Allowing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to access bank and mobile money statements without a court order.
- Motor Vehicle Tax: A 2.5% tax on motor vehicles with a minimum of KES 5,000 and no maximum limit.
- KRA Decision Time Extension: Extending the time for KRA to issue decisions from 60 to 90 days.
- Minimum Top-up Tax: A 15% top-up tax on resident individuals or entities affiliated with multinational groups earning over EUR 750 million annually.
- Withholding Tax: On payments made for goods supplied to public entities and on interest from Infrastructure Bonds.
- Road Maintenance Levy: Increasing from KES 18 to KES 25 per litre of fuel.
- Digital Marketplace Tax: A withholding tax on sales in digital marketplaces.
- VAT Adjustments: Changing the tax status of various items, including ordinary bread and fertilizers, from exempt to standard, introducing a 16% VAT.
- Excise Duty Adjustments: Increasing excise duty on alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and financial services.
Public and International Reactions
The protests have attracted both local and international reactions. On June 19, various accounts on X voiced their opposition to the bill, with the international hacker group Anonymous threatening cyber attacks on President Ruto and Parliament. Football Twitter also supported the protests, amplifying the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024.
On June 23, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine expressed solidarity with the protesters, encouraging the youth of Kenya to continue their efforts. The Azimio Coalition party, led by minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, unanimously rejected the Finance Bill 2024, urging its members to withdraw any amendments submitted to the bill.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty Kenya, various associations of content creators, lawyers, medical officers, and 27 international organizations, called for uninterrupted internet access during the protests scheduled for June 25 and 27, amidst rumors that the government might shut down the internet to hinder protest communications.
Timeline of Events
May 13 to June 18: Online Mobilization
The movement began on TikTok before spreading to X, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Initially, the focus was on urging citizens to contact their MPs to vote against the bill. When this approach proved ineffective, posters calling for physical demonstrations on June 18 began circulating.
June 18: Day 1
Hundreds of Kenyans gathered in Nairobi to protest the bill. The intention to hold a sit-in outside Parliament was thwarted by police using tear gas. Over 210 people were arrested, and businesses temporarily closed due to concerns about looting. Despite these arrests, the demonstrations continued, with human rights organizations condemning police violence against protesters and journalists.
June 19: Day 2
In response to public outcry, the budgetary committee proposed amendments to the bill, removing some controversial sections. However, many Kenyans remained unsatisfied, leading to further protests and the emergence of the hashtag #RejectNotAmend.
June 20: Day 3
Thousands of protesters in 19 counties, including major cities, demonstrated as Parliament conducted the second reading of the bill. Security forces again used water cannons and tear gas, resulting in over 200 injuries and one death. The bill passed in Parliament with a majority vote.
June 23
President William Ruto expressed willingness to engage in conversations with the protesters. Despite this, a nationwide strike was planned for June 25.
June 24
The government announced it would allow the planned protests on June 25, with Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki emphasizing the need for peaceful demonstrations. Rights groups reiterated the call for uninterrupted internet access during the protests.
June 25 — Day 4
Main article: 2024 Parliament of Kenya attack Thousands of protesters overcame police barricades and stormed the parliamentary complex. Amnesty International Kenya reported that the police discharged live ammunition, wounding several protesters. Amid the tumult, a part of the Parliament building containing offices was set ablaze, intensifying the unrest. Continuous heavy gunfire was reported as police attempted to subdue the defiant crowd.
President Ruto sharply criticized the protests, labeling them as “treasonous.” The Ministry of Defence announced that military forces had been deployed to assist the police in maintaining order.
June 26
During a press conference with various media outlets, Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, reported that no fewer than 13 individuals had died, remarking on the unprecedented level of violence against unarmed civilians.
Deputy Azimio opposition leader Martha Karua declared the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces as unconstitutional. Shortly thereafter, chief azimio opposition leader Raila Odinga stated, “The Constitution appears to be on hold. We cannot stand by and allow this. The government has resorted to using excessive force against our nation’s youth, and it seems more is expected. We cannot accept this,” urging the government to engage in dialogue with those opposing the Finance Bill 2024.
The Law Society of Kenya took legal action against Defence CS, Aden Duale, and the National Assembly concerning the military’s deployment, requesting the court to pause this decision until a full hearing and verdict are reached. It also requested an independent international review of the security measures implemented in Githurai the previous night.
Later that evening, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission reported that at least 22 individuals had lost their lives, with Commission chairperson Roseline Odede informing journalists that an additional 300 were injured and 50 arrested.
President William Ruto addressed the nation, announcing his decision not to sign the 2024 Finance Bill, stating that it would be withdrawn in agreement with his party’s MPs. This statement stands in contrast to the constitutional stipulation that a Bill is deemed assented if the President neither signs nor returns it within the specified timeframe.
Conclusion
The Kenya Finance Bill protests have highlighted the deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans regarding economic policies and government actions. The movement, led by a younger generation and supported by various local and international voices, underscores the citizens’ demand for transparency, fairness, and accountability in governance. As the protests continue, the government’s response and the outcomes of ongoing dialogues will significantly shape Kenya’s socio-political landscape.
