Azimio Coalition Totally Rejects Finance Bill 2024 Amid Widespread Protests
The Azimio Coalition has firmly rejected the controversial Finance Bill 2024, urging members who had submitted amendments to the bill to withdraw them immediately. This announcement came during a press conference on Monday evening, following a parliamentary group meeting at the August House.
Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi stated that the coalition’s decision to reject the bill in its entirety was made after a thorough review of the proposed legislation. Wandayi also condemned the recent kidnappings of Generation Z members suspected of participating in the protests, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
The protests, sparked by a new round of taxes at a time when Kenyans are struggling with rising living costs, are expected to continue into the second week. The largest protest is planned for Tuesday, coinciding with the MPs’ vote on the bill, which passed its second reading on Thursday.
On the fourth day of the “Rage Programme,” Generation Z-led protests continued with demonstrators from Nairobi staging peaceful demonstrations in the city. The protestors vowed to persist in their efforts to push for the rejection of the Finance Bill and advocate for broader changes in the country’s governance.
The weekend saw a variety of protest activities, including a blood drive and midnight protests in entertainment venues on Saturday night. Following Sunday church services, youths gathered outside the Kenya National Archives to march through the capital’s nearly deserted streets, waving placards with messages of resistance and rejection of the Finance Bill. The peaceful demonstration, accompanied by religious and resistance songs, was closely monitored by riot police, who had little to intervene.
Earlier, a significant number of youths participated in a blood drive in Nairobi, responding to a call made on social media by medics preparing for Tuesday’s protests. Youth-led protests also took place in clubs across the country starting at 11:59 PM on Saturday night.
Club DJs, adhering to the “7 Days of Rage” programme, turned off the music, allowing patrons to sing anti-corruption tunes while holding their phone torches aloft. Enthusiastic revelers sang and chanted in unison, paying tribute to the late Rex Kanyike Masai, a protester who was shot and later succumbed to his injuries during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations last Thursday.
Opposition leaders also joined the nightclub protests, reiterating their stance against the bill at the committee stage. The “Rage Programme” continues with more activities planned through Thursday, maintaining momentum in the fight against the Finance Bill 2024.
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Azimio Coalition Totally Rejects Finance Bill 2024 Amid Widespread Protests