The protest against the Finance Bill 2024 in Mombasa drew hundreds of demonstrators despite the ongoing rain.
Social media networks played a significant role in mobilizing residents to participate. Police presence was evident in the streets, with the famous Mapembeni area cordoned off.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, residents sang and chanted in the Mombasa Central Business District, carrying placards and singing the song “Utawala” by hip hop artist Juliani.
“Sita simama maovu ya kitawala. Ufisadi ubinafsi ukabila, kuuza sura hawataki kuuza sera, undugu ni kufaana sita simama maovu ya kitawala,” the demonstrating residents are heard singing.
The anti-Finance Bill demos for Mombasa were scheduled for June 19 (today).
Others are scheduled for June 20 in Kisumu and Laikipia among other places.
The ongoing protests in Mombasa are being organized under the hashtag #OccupyMombasa, mirroring similar demonstrations that took place in Nairobi earlier in the week.
Prior to Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, social media platforms buzzed with calls to action under the hashtag #OccupyParliament, urging Kenyans to participate in the demonstrations.
Despite the government’s announcement of concessions, including dropping proposed VAT increases on certain items like bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, and foreign exchange transactions, as well as Excise duty on vegetable oil and Motor Vehicle Tax, protesters remain undeterred.
Some view these concessions as superficial, criticizing the government’s approach of giving with one hand while taking with the other.
Debate on the Finance Bill is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, continuing through Thursday during a special sitting called for this purpose, following its formal tabling on Tuesday.
