Enter Gen Z: Youthful Activists Flood Streets in Mass Protest Against 'Punitive' Tax Bill

Picture Story...

In a wave of youthful activism, swarms of Kenyan youth marched peacefully against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, employing a blend of traditional and modern protest tactics including singing, dancing, tweeting, vlogging, and TikToking. 

An AI depiction of the movement.

This movement, marked by a carnival-like atmosphere and extensive use of technology, was a stark contrast to past demonstrations.

Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, demonstrators faced teargas as 204 government-allied MPs voted to advance the bill to its second reading for further discussion. In opposition, 115 MPs voted against the bill and pledged to continue their fight.




The protestors, part of a burgeoning movement, demanded a fairer fiscal system to address the hardships faced by ordinary Kenyans. Protesters in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret used songs and social media hashtags like #OccupyEldoret to mobilize, carrying placards with messages like 'Zakayo must fall' and 'Reject, not amend.'


Celebrities and professionals joined the cause, with rappers Octopizzo and Nyashinski participating and young lawyers and doctors offering support. Even in President Ruto's stronghold of Eldoret, youth protested against the bill.




Police maintained a strong presence as protestors split into groups to disperse across towns. Social media played a critical role, with the #OccupyEldoret hashtag being a central tool for mobilization. Some youth vandalized UDA party symbols, but police reported no serious incidents.

Ben Limo, one of the organizers, and Janet Chepkosgey emphasized the protests' success and the urgent need for the government to listen to Kenyans. Although there were initial clashes, the protests' message of people-centered reforms resonated widely.

International media covered the events extensively, highlighting the passionate involvement of Generation Z activists. Despite occasional forceful police responses, the protests remained largely peaceful, thanks to experienced civil society groups.


A notable moment occurred when protestors offered refreshments to police officers, showing compassion and emphasizing shared economic struggles. This act, alongside organizers' peace assurances, led to an incident-free day overall.

In Nairobi, heavy-handed police responses to peaceful assemblies and similar preemptive measures in Kilifi were reported. However, the protests succeeded in displaying strong public disapproval of the bill. Organizers underscored the demand for the bill's complete withdrawal.

On Tuesday, the government withdrew some of the most regressive tax proposals in response to the protests. Yet, concerns remained about potential alternative funding measures that could still affect vulnerable communities.




As parliament resumed debate on the tax bill, protestors' amplified voices demanded inclusion in the decision-making process. In Garissa and Kilifi, peaceful protests continued, reflecting widespread discontent and calls for the bill's rejection.



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