When dawn broke over Nairobi on Tuesday, skepticism loomed regarding the turnout for the protests outside parliament against the second reading of the finance bill 2024.
However, the digitally organized protest surpassed expectations, drawing throngs of protestors, predominantly youth.
The implications of the finance bill 2024 resonated deeply with Kenyans, uniting them in a rare display of solidarity. While opinions varied on its merits, the consensus among most Kenyans was clear: the finance bill 2024 should not be allowed to proceed.
For a generation accustomed to expressing themselves vocally online, often dubbed “keyboard warriors,” their mobilization for this protest was significant.
Among these, KOT(X) (Kenyans On Twitter) stood out, known for their relentless and often blunt engagement on social media platforms. This time, they rallied not only against neighboring countries but also against the far-reaching effects of the finance bill.
Online content creators also played a pivotal role, crafting skits to critique and ridicule the bill’s provisions.
Over time, Kenyan “keyboard warriors” have gained a reputation for their radical and unapologetic stance. However, this protest marked a shift as they organized and executed a tangible demonstration, met with harsh repression by the police.
The intensity of online discussions surrounding the finance bill 2024 foreshadowed the brewing discontent. Debates divided into two main streams: urging MPs to vote against the bill and mobilizing for a physical presence at parliament during the second reading.
Since June 14th, the “keyboard warriors” launched a campaign urging Kenyans to converge outside parliament, with expectations for the turnout running low.
Yet, armed with whistles, placards, and determination, they defied police orders and marched through the streets, boldly voicing their opposition to the bill. Even in the face of arrests, they remained defiant, singing their messages from inside police vehicles.
The youthful faces and voices all told of one story, they had come of age, their parents were no longer going to talk for them, and they owned the message and passed it on with gusto.
They were there both men and women, declaring to the police that they were exercising their rights and the “will of the people” will prevail.
Even the offer made by government-aligned MPs at midday to withdraw some clauses of the bill failed to placate the protestors, who continued to move in large numbers from one street to another, vocally expressing their discontent.
Despite threats of arrest and the actual arrest of over 400 individuals during the digitally organized protest, their resolve remained unshaken.
Demonstrations in Kenya have a long history predating the present generation. In the past, they were led by legendary figures such as Oginga Odinga, Stanley Matiba, Charles Rubia, and George Anyona, some of whom have since passed away, while others like Koigi Wamwere, Raila Odinga, Njeru Kathangu, Kiraitu Murungi, Gitobu Imanyara, and James Orengo are still active in public life.
Some continue to stride like giants, while others have taken a lower profile. However, both the deceased and the living must surely feel a sense of pride at the emergence of a new generation of demonstrators, if the words of opposition leader Raila Odinga are any indication. The “keyboard warriors” have truly come of age.
