Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has called on the organizers of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protest to cancel today’s planned demonstration. In a statement on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Alai emphasized that continuing with the protests could undermine the protesters’ legitimacy.
He cautioned that the government might not take the demonstrators seriously if they proceed, especially since President William Ruto has already withdrawn the controversial bill. Alai specifically advised against marching to State House, reiterating that it could further damage the protesters’ standing in the eyes of the government.
“Whoever is now mobilising young people for further protests is killing their legitimacy and destroying them that they will not be taken seriously again. Don’t go to STATE HOUSE. If possible, don’t protest today,” Robert advised.
Whoever is now mobilising young people for further protests is killing their legitimacy and destroying them that they will not be taken seriously again.
Don’t go to STATE HOUSE. If possible, don’t protest today.
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) June 27, 2024
Anti-tax protest
According to activist Boniface Mwangi’s Seven Days of the Rage action plan, protesters on Thursday, June 27, 2024, will block all major roads leading to the capital and then occupy the State House in Nairobi to witness the signing of the controversial bill into law.
“Day 7. Thursday, 27th June: Block main roads leading to Nairobi and #OccupyStateHouse to witness Ruto sign our lives into slavery.#TotalShutDownKE,” Boniface Mwangi’s action plan reads.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, a section of the demonstrators made true their intention to occupy parliament after 195 Members of Parliament okayed the controversial bill to the final stage.
Finance Bill
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Ruto declined to sign the controversial bill into law after it was presented to him following its passage through the National Assembly.
Ruto, in his speech, disclosed that the proposed Bill targeted revenue collection of Ksh346 billion had been reduced to Ksh200 billion after undergoing public participation.
“I will decline to assent to the Bill, Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024,” Ruto said.
