The Kenyan youth demand the withdrawal of the finance bill, which imposes taxes on essential goods and services.

The Kenya youth-led protests that started on the 18th of June, 2024, as the result of an increased finance bill have led to the death of several protesters, with over three social media activists abducted. 

Social media activists like Gabriel Oguda, Kevin Monari, and John Frank Ngemi were reported missing after they were confirmed to have been taken away by unknown gunmen.

The Root Causes of Kenya's Youth-Led Protests

It is believed that nothing happens without an underlying truth. Kenya's protest is not an exception. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, Kenya’s government plans to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes to address the budget deficit and reduce state borrowing. 

However, the country’s public debt currently stands at 68% of GDP, surpassing the 55% recommended by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The situation has sparked protests as citizens express concerns about the impact on the economy and cost of living for Kenyans.

In this country's financial downturn, President Rutu's advisory teams are set to receive a 17% increase to Sh1.1 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. One adviser, Augustine Cheruiyot, makes a mind-blowing $1.8 million, or SH239 million annually. The entire salary of the US president is just $450,000. 

The average Kenyan civil servant struggles to make ends meet from the penny of SH35,000 per month and is grappling with high living expenses, yet the government hopes to relieve them of their jobs to trim the wage bill of sh1.8 million for an adviser.

Is this fair by the government, and are these protests worth the protests by the Kenyan citizens? 

Kenya's Citizens Demand from The Peaceful Protests 

The Kenyan youth demand the withdrawal of the finance bill, which imposes taxes on essential goods and services. They argue that these taxes disproportionately affect ordinary citizens, exacerbating the already high cost of living. The people want greater transparency in government spending and accountability for public funds. They call for measures to address corruption and misuse of resources.

During one of the protests on Tuesday, 25th, Auma Obama, the half-sister of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, was seen participating in the protests. During the police interrogation with her live on CNN, she confessed that she joined the protests because she wanted a better future for her daughter and the people.

This reveals the Kenyans' plea. They are voicing their frustration over economic hardships, unemployment, and poverty. They demand a better future. They seek policies that alleviate their financial burdens and improve livelihoods. 

Kenya's President's Response to the Ongoing Kenya Protests 

On Tuesday, Kenya's President William Ruto pledged to adopt a strict stance against "violence and anarchy" following deadly protests over his government's proposed tax increases, during which protestors also ransacked parliament.

He has ordered security forces to thwart the protesters' efforts to undermine the security and stability, describing the protests as treasonous. 

However, hundreds of anti-tax protesters stormed Kenya's Parliament, setting part of the building on fire. According to the head of the Kenya Medical Association, 13 people were killed, 12 of them in Nairobi, after police opened fire on the demonstrators. Protests and clashes occurred in various cities and towns across the country.

Despite the unrest, Parliament approved the finance bill, which will now be presented to President William Ruto for signing into law. In his initial comments on Tuesday's protests, Ruto claimed that "criminals" had hijacked the demonstrations and expressed support for the police.

Ruto Withdrew the Finance Bill Following the Resilience of the Protesters

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has called on Kenyan security forces to "exercise restraint" and urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully. Protesters have mostly retreated from the Kenyan Parliament in central Nairobi, where heavy riot police presence remains.

Following the resilience displayed by the protesters, the Kenyan President in a letter dated 25th of June, 2024 penned the withdrawal of the Finance Bill taking into account the widespread expression of displeasure.

Taking into consideration the widespread expression of dissatisfaction by members of the public on the Finance Bill, 2024

Conclusion 

The government's proposal to raise additional taxes has been met with fierce opposition, leading to deadly confrontations, abductions, and widespread unrest. Citizens are demanding not only the withdrawal of the finance bill but also greater transparency, accountability, and measures to combat corruption.

As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for the government to engage constructively with its citizens and address their concerns to restore peace and stability.