Of Peaceful Protests and Violent Police: Occupy Parliament Protests Rock Nairobi

Chaos broke out in Nairobi's Central Business District on Tuesday as hundreds of protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against the Finance Bill 2024. Plainclothes police swiftly arrested dozens of protesters and took them away. Tear gas was used to disperse the angry crowds protesting the high cost of living.

Tuesday morning saw running battles between police and protesters on the streets of Nairobi that persisted through the rest of the day. Police arrested dozens of individuals opposing the Finance Bill 2024, after declaring the demonstrations illegal.

Protests disrupted businesses in various city streets as demonstrators chanted slogans against the government's punitive taxation. The protests, dubbed 'Occupy Parliament', aimed to pressure lawmakers not to pass the Finance Bill, which was debated later on Tuesday afternoon. Activist and journalist Hanifa Adan was among those arrested at the National Archives. Police, both in uniform and plainclothes, were seen handcuffing protesters in black T-shirts and placing them in police vans across the CBD.

The last time Nairobi experienced such chaos was during the Maandamano protests organized by opposition leader Raila Odinga last year. Protesters near the Nation Centre on Kimathi Street, intending to march to Parliament, were temporarily halted by anti-riot police who used tear gas to disperse them. The road to Parliament, near the Treasury Building, saw a heavy police presence with close monitoring of passersby. 

In downtown areas like Ronald Ngala Street, Muthurwa, Koja, and nearby locations, business continued as usual, but many traders supported the demonstrations, citing high living costs and heavy taxation.

"They are saying they've removed some taxes on products, but I don't trust them. Zakayo (President Ruto) is dishonest, and his policies have destroyed our businesses," commented a businesswoman at Muthurwa Market.

Gunshots and teargas filled the air across Nairobi's CBD, including outside Nation Center and near roads leading to Parliament. The protests, widely discussed on social media, prompted many motorists to avoid driving. 

The Finance Bill 2024 report is slated for presentation by Planning and Finance Committee Chairman Kuria Kimani in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon. MPs have until June 27 to decide on passing or rejecting the bill following its budget announcement last Friday. 

Protesters, predominantly in black T-shirts, gathered at rallying points like Moi Avenue and the Kenya National Archives, where arrests occurred. Security checks affected motorists, commuters, and pedestrians, leading to heightened tensions. Police presence was notable at Tom Mboya Statue, deterring potential gatherings amid fears of demonstration involvement.

Protesters holding placards declaring 'Reject Finance Bill' and 'Zakayo must go' remained steadfast in their fight against perceived overtaxation by the Kenya Kwanza regime. Those detained in the police lorry were processed and held at Central Police Station cells.

Earlier, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei declared any protests in Nairobi illegal, despite organizers' claims of notifying the police as required. Bungei stated that no permit had been sought or granted for assembling or picketing, labeling such activities as unlawful. He cited a document from June of the previous year as inadequate for a protest permit application.

"The notice you left at Central is dated 17, June 2023. It is incorrect. We can't allow it. No demonstration. Kenyans should be allowed to do their business and those who have grievances should take them where they know well," he stated.

The 'Occupy Parliament' protest was coordinated by Kenyans who mobilized through social media platforms using the hashtag 'Reject Finance Bill' to gather support and urge MPs to reject contentious sections of the bill.

ALUTA CONTINUA!!!

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