By Ellian Otti
We had a country! For sure, we did! It had dreams accompanied by clear and concise rules to help realize these dreams. However, the introduction of the Finance Bill 2024, a government policy aimed at increasing taxes and implementing mandatory housing levies, sparked widespread discontent. During the June protests, the streets in Kenya became stages for the nation’s newest reality show: ‘Finance Bill 2024: Who Wants to Be Taxed Next?’
With the government rolling out policies like a magician pulling never-ending scarves from a hat, Kenyans had enough of the disappearing act on their paychecks. But in the face of mandatory housing levies for homes, it meant that protesting was not a choice. Citizens took to the streets with a mix of outrage and humor; they stood standing together, united in their anger, inspiring a sense of unity and determination.
The #RejectFinanceBill2024 movement in Kenya, which gained momentum in response to the Finance Bill’s detrimental economic effects, shared striking similarities with Bangladesh’s youth-driven protests. Fueled by economic frustrations, these protests sparked widespread unrest. However, the role of social media set the Kenyan demonstrations apart. Platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram became digital battlegrounds where the younger generation voiced their discontent, organized protests, and rallied support. The Finance Bill might have been debated in parliament, but it’s been roasted and shredded on X.
If Kenya’s streets had a hall of fame for protest cameos, Larry Madowo and Jacob Juma would indeed be headlining. Larry, always the suave commentator, backs the Swahili saying ‘mtoto akisoma husaidia nyumbani’. If you squint hard enough, you might even spot him sneaking a selfie with the protesters, captioning it, “On the frontlines of frustration—hope they don’t tax this photo too!” Meanwhile, Jacob Juma, the master of conspiracy theories, would be there in spirit, probably spinning a wild yarn about how the Finance Bill was concocted by a secret society of tax-loving aliens hiding in Mt. Kenya all along. Their support for the youth-led movement shows that this is not just a fight for the youth but a united stand for all Kenyans.
When we talk about Gen Z, we’re no longer just referencing a demographic born in the digital age—we’re talking about a generation that understands the power of virality, instant mobilization, and global visibility. For this group, hashtags are not just trends but tools of change, and memes are political statements. In Kenya’s case, #RejectFinanceBill2024 has turned into a rallying cry for economic justice, blending satire with serious demands. But this movement was not just about protest but about reimagining activism. Gen Z showed us that activism can be fast-paced, witty, and deeply connected to our everyday lives. They’ve transformed protests from street affairs to digital revolutions, where trending topics can apply pressure in real time. Their power and potential were genuinely inspiring, instilling a sense of empowerment and hope in the audience.
This digital savvy generation isn’t just about making noise; it’s about building a movement that is agile, adaptive, and impossible to ignore. If the old guard is still drafting policies behind closed doors, Gen Z is determined to rewrite the rules of protest in full public view, one viral post at a time. Stalled government projects being unearthed were a highlight of this movement, with the young and resourceful population going to measures like organizing road trips around the country to discover we have no country after all.
Kenya’s wildlife might soon need mining helmets because our conservancies and national parks have become the country’s hottest new excavation sites. Forget the giraffes, rhinos, and elephants—now; it’s all about the gold, coal, and rare minerals beneath their feet. Picture this: you’re on safari, hoping to catch a glimpse of a lion, only to be greeted by a bulldozer with a “Mining in Progress” sign. Who needs nature’s splendor when you can have a hole in the ground the size of a football stadium? It’s a bold new eco-tourism concept—call it “Safari & Shovels.” Maybe next, they’ll introduce wildlife with high-vis jackets, overseeing the operations with clipboards. After all, nothing says “biodiversity” like a little dynamite!
As Kenya’s streets continued to echo with chants of #RejectFinanceBill2024, the silence of the judiciary and the actions of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were glaring. The judiciary, a key pillar of the nation’s governance, seemed to have taken a vow of quiet contemplation, offering little in the way of decisive action. Meanwhile, the DCI, an institution tasked with maintaining law and order, fumbled on its responsibility, choosing to stifle the democratic expressions it should defend rather than protect the rights of citizens to voice their concerns. These events underscored the challenges to justice and accountability in a nation where the people’s voice is increasingly important.
Meanwhile, DCI, an institution tasked with maintaining law and order, fumbled on its responsibility. The state standardly enforces punishment, usually meant as a deterrent and a form of rehabilitation. It should also be a consequence of an iniquity, a crime…in tandem with the deed. But when a nation whose citizens’ only crime was exercising their inalienable rights to freedom of expression, from political persuasion, the government, with its proverbial long hands, tried to curtail these rights by violent means. This ineptitude was particularly troubling in a nation where accountability and justice are in such short supply. Instead of protecting the rights of citizens to voice their concerns, the DCI was more preoccupied with stifling the democratic expressions it should defend.
Civic education had a real moment in Kenya thanks to the Finance Bill protests. Who knew threatening their wallets was the quickest way to get an entire nation to brush up on tax law, economic policy, and constitutional rights? It’s like we all got enrolled in a crash course on “How the Government Works (or Doesn’t),” with the streets as the classroom and tear gas as, well, “motivational material.” The protests transformed everyday Kenyans into constitutional experts almost overnight. Suddenly, the average boda boda rider began quoting Article 43 of the constitution, which addresses the right to economic security, as if it were the latest hit song. Meanwhile, aunties in the market started educating everyone on taxation principles while selling tomatoes. This wasn’t just momentum; it was a national awakening. If the government had launched a civic education campaign this effectively, they’d have won awards! Instead, it’s the protesters handing out real lessons—one witty placard at a time. All this is a stark reminder that when systems meant to uphold justice falter, the people’s voice grows louder.
In a shocking twist, we might even see a new governmental strategy: a nationwide scavenger hunt for missing funds, where every citizen gets a magnifying glass to search for transparency! So, sit tight, everyone. The protests may have slowed down, but the show must go on, complete with its blend of sarcasm, satire, and the occasional plea for actual reform. After all, it’s not just a protest—it’s an entertainment franchise at this point! As for the question “What Next?” we might not have an answer, but we will know it when we see it, if at all!
Bio
I am a Master’s student at USIU-Africa with a knack for storytelling, blending creativity, fun and intellect into everything I craft. My passion for writing is matched by a love for the art of wordplay, weaving clever twists and turns into my narratives. I’m always curious and eager to learn, and thus balance academic pursuits with the joy of crafting words that resonate and leaves a lasting impression.