Gov’t vs. Gen Z: Dismisses #RejectFinanceBill Protests as Digital Hype
A wave of Gen Zs flooded the streets last week, protesting the Finance Bill 2024. However, the government seems to downplay these demonstrations, judging by recent events.
Gen z group
Government Leaders Dismiss Protests
In the past week, leaders from the Kenya Kwanza government have sought to discredit the protests. They claimed the youth aim to garner more views on social media platforms.
Majority Leader’s Controversial Remarks
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah’s latest remarks sparked outrage among the youth. He claimed that the protestors were misguided and did not understand the bill. He mocked the youthful protesters, suggesting they were privileged individuals. Ichung’wah insinuated that they arrived at protests in taxis while holding iPhones and later dined at KFC joints.
“The Gen Z have iPhones and use Ubers to protest. Wanatoka maandamano wanaingia KFC kukula kuku na minofu, maji ni ile ya chupa…si mliwaona? Hawajui shida stima ni kitu gani…wako na umeme 24/7,” Ichung’wah said in Baringo County on Friday.
Kapsaret MP’s Comments
PHOTO: Kapsaret Mp Oscar Sudi
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi also criticized the protests, saying that the youth did not understand the bill. “Niliona hao Gen Z, hata mtoto wangu pengine alikuwa hapo, lakini hawaelewi hii finance bill,” he remarked.
President’s Adviser Mocks Digital Activism
President William Ruto’s economic adviser, David Ndii, ridiculed the demonstrations, dismissing digital activism as “wanking.” He stated, “Politics is a contact sport. Digital activism is just wanking. Any jackass can kick down a barn but it takes a good carpenter to build one.”
Public Reaction
These comments have infuriated many Kenyans online. They demand an audit of the billions collected from taxes introduced in past Finance Bills. Critics urge the government to take the issue seriously, highlighting that the youth are spearheading a revolution, transcending tribe or political affiliation.
Dagoretti South MP’s Controversial Allegations
PHOTO: Dagoretti South MP John ‘KJ’ Kiarie
Recently, Dagoretti South MP John ‘KJ’ Kiarie faced backlash over his remarks. He claimed that some photos shared online were old or doctored to drive an agenda. He alleged in Parliament, “The committee was already in the process of engaging Kenyans way before a fake protest was organised… Some of the photos we were seeing, I can tell you as a graphic editor, that they do not belong to this country.”
Kitutu South MP’s Criticism
PHOTO: Kitutu South MP Rachel Nyamai
Kitutu South MP Rachel Nyamai echoed similar sentiments. She claimed that the Gen Zs were only interested in gaining TikTok views.
Thursday’s Penultimate Protests
The penultimate Finance Bill protests occurred on Thursday. Youth thronged the streets, demanding legislators reject the contentious bill. Using the hashtag #OccupyParliament, they sought to access Parliament while MPs voted on the bill. Braving teargas, water cannons, and intimidation, the protests continued through the afternoon and into the night. The youth exercised their rights to demonstrate.
Bill’s Progress Despite Protests
Despite numerous protests across the country, 204 MPs voted in support of the bill, against 115. Consequently, the bill proceeds to the Committee of the Whole House next week.
The Finance Bill 2024 has sparked significant unrest among Gen Zs. The government’s dismissive attitude has only fueled their determination. As the bill advances, the youth’s protests underscore their growing political engagement and desire for accountability.
