After days of uncertainty, comedian and scriptwriter Eddie Butita has succumbed to pressure and explicitly stated his stance on the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Butita, along with several other Kenyan celebrities, faced intense criticism throughout the week for what was perceived as complicity in a matter requiring unequivocal support.
Many criticized the comedy heavyweight for appearing undecided on the Bill, expressing disappointment in his silence while nearly all Kenyan celebrities were clearly voicing their opinions.
Initially, Butita, who accompanied President William Ruto on his historic US State visit last month, shared his thoughts on the Bill, stating that he had ‘raised’ some issues regarding it and was confident that action ‘would be taken’.
This ambiguous stance did not satisfy critics, leading to mounting pressure for him to take a clearer position.
“I have engaged both formally and informally and I am confident action will be taken. That said creatives are not opposed to paying taxes, we are just asking for a harmonized approach,” he said.
Despite his initial attempt to address the Finance Bill 2024, Eddie Butita’s ambiguous stance only further alienated him from the Kenyan public, leading to calls for a boycott of his productions and unsubscriptions from his YouTube channel. In response to the mounting pressure, Butita took to his X account to express his understanding of the frustrations felt by Kenyans.
He acknowledged that, although he typically refrains from making political statements, the current situation demands a departure from his usual silence.
He wrote: “Recently, I have faced criticism for not publicly stating my position on the Finance Bill 2024. I want to address the issue directly and share the state of affairs surrounding my recent actions.”
“I understand the frustration and disconnect many feel with the current system. It is clear that we need a proper structure to ensure our voices are heard and represented effectively. Often, our leaders lose touch with those they represent. The results are what is happening currently.
“Over the years, I have shied away from making political stands, but I agree this is not a political moment, with my status, my silence is not warranted. It “creases.””
Butita went on to add that even though he had ‘played a role’ and submitted his concerns, he was still convinced that the Bill was not okay and that he wanted the best for all Kenyans.
“The Finance Bill, as it stands, is not okay. I played a role and submitted my concerns and will do it again when needed because I am a citizen and a businessman. I want the best for my countrymates, family, friends, and colleagues,” he said.
Putting all fear aside, Butita finalised by emphatically denouncing the Bill, saying that it was time ‘to listen’.
“All said and done, it is time to publicly make my position official. I Eddie Butita #RejectFinanceBill2024. It is time to listen. We can not be all wrong. Hayaa basi, Gen Z nitafutieni tshirt kali nireport kwa Ofisi…” he concluded.
On June 22, internet personality Andrew Kibe also reversed his earlier stance, fully supporting the Occupy Parliament protests and promising to overcome his fears as the nation faced a critical juncture.
Acknowledging his previous mistake, Kibe admitted that he had underestimated the growing movement and initially refrained from participating due to fear of systemic repercussions. He confessed, “I didn’t imagine that the movement would spread that fast. I was afraid of participating due to fear of systemic repercussions.”
“I didn’t see this movement taking hold that fast, but I want to assure the Gen Z and everybody else taking part, that now I’m 100% behind the movement. Hata kama hamnitaki, niko ndani, ” he declared.
