On Tuesday 25 June, thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to peacefully protest against a proposed Finance Bill that sought to impose excessive taxes on the people. The largely youth-led protests turned fatal as police, and later the army who were deployed, unleashed deadly force on the peaceful protesters including the use of water cannons, live bullets and tear gas. Several protesters were killed and there have been credible reports of the abduction of citizens suspected of involvement in the protests, in a clear violation of human rights.

The Finance Bill proposed introducing several measures that would place a significant monetary burden on an already fatigued populace. These included a new annual tax on vehicle ownership amounting to 2.5% of the value of the vehicle; proposed 16-25% sales tax on basic household items like bread and cooking oil, and an eco levy that would lead to an increase in the cost for sanitary pads and baby diapers. The Bill proposed an increase in the tax on financial transactions and also proposed more taxes for small businesses, among other measures.

The national outrage against the Finance Bill is compounded by growing dissatisfaction with President William Ruto, who came to power in 2022, and his government’s priorities. A recent study by the Old Mutual Kenya Group on the financial landscape of the country revealed that nearly half of Kenyan consumers experience significant financial stress. This, coupled with a persistent spike in the general cost of living, has led Kenyans to scrutinize and question several of Ruto’s governance decisions.

Among these are items in the country’s 2024/2025 financial year (starting in July) budget that allocates a total of Ksh.1.2 billion (approx. US$9.3 million) for renovations of the First Lady Rachel Ruto and Second Lady Dorkas Wanjiru Rigathi’s offices. Also included is Ksh.11.5 billion (approx. US$89.5 million) for the renovation of all State Houses and State Lodges. Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) are among the highest paid in the world and also receive generous perks including car grants, housing allowance, and even in the past received a sitting allowance for each day an MP attended a parliamentary session. 

Video: Muna K.

Following Tuesday’s protests, President Ruto conceded that he would not sign the Finance Bill. However, protesters remain angered by the lack of accountability for the loss of life, and the falsehoods that government officials continue to propagate. For instance, government officials have stated that 6 protesters died during Tuesday’s protests, when witness reports suggest that the number is much higher. Ruto also denied any allegations of abductions. However, several abductions have been corroborated by friends and family members, including at least one that was caught on video surveillance cameras.

With organizers maximizing the impact of social media to spread information and raise funds for those impacted by the violence on Tuesday, it is clear that Kenya has entered a new era of activism. Several days prior to Tuesday’s protests a 7-hour Twitter Space to discuss the Finance Bill and strategies for the planned peaceful protest was hosted on X/Twitter. Over 60,000 users participated and it has since amassed over 1.2 million views. The hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 has been consistently trending on X and is also being heavily used on other social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. 

Another unique element of the recent protests is the evident national unity that has transcended historical tribal tensions, as well as crossed social and economic lines. The Nation newspaper noted that at least 35 out of Kenya's 47 counties spanning both rural and urban areas, participated in Tuesday’s protests.

Despite the president’s concession on the Finance Bill, protesters have vowed to continue taking to the streets as a new hashtag comes to the forefront – #RutoMustGo. Many Kenyans cite that the Bill was just the latest product of a corrupt system that is no longer serving the will of the people. The solution they envision is a comprehensive overhaul of all government officials who do not prioritize the needs of the people.

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