Over the past week, anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests have surged, with demonstrators taking to various social media platforms to voice their frustrations with the current government. What began as a call to reject the Finance Bill 2024 has evolved into a broader demand for accountability among both elected and appointed public servants.
Initially, the rallying cry of the Gen Z protesters was clear: to reject the Finance Bill 2024. After days of sustained pressure, President Ruto reconsidered his stance on the bill, which would have required Kenyans to contribute more to fund government operations.
However, the President’s delayed response opened the door for additional issues to be raised by the citizens, who have since compiled a list of demands for the government to address. Some youths are now calling for President Ruto’s resignation.
The top demand on the list, designated as “non-negotiable,” is for the Executive to obey all court orders and abolish the illegal and illegitimate Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position. They also call for the removal of public funding for the Office of the First Lady, Second Lady, and Prime Cabinet Secretary’s Spouse, redirecting those funds to employ teachers and doctors.
Further demands include scrapping the housing levy, publishing audited records on fund utilization, and issuing refunds to all contributors. The protesters also insist on the immediate firing of all government officials with criminal records and integrity issues. They call for the constitution of the IEBC within 30 days and the employment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and intern doctors.
Additionally, the list demands the reduction of Members of Parliament’s salaries and allowances, capping them at Ksh.200,000, arguing that MPs should not earn more than doctors. The restoration of the school feeding program is also a priority. To curb wastage, the protesters suggest that all government officials should use government vehicles, trains, and airplanes.
The final demand is for President Ruto to resign from office.
