International hacker group 'Anonymous' warns over passage of Finance Bill

The international hacker group 'Anonymous' has waded into the ongoing protest against the Finance Bill 2024 in the country.

Anonymous is a decentralized virtual community. They are commonly referred to as an internet-based collective of hacktivists whose goals, like its organisation, are decentralised.

They seek mass awareness and revolution against what the organisation perceives as corrupt entities while attempting to maintain anonymity.

In a video message posted on their X page, which boasts 5.1 million followers, Anonymous criticised the government's attempt to pass a bill they argue will unfairly tax Kenyan citizens.

"Greetings, Citizens of the world. This is a warning message to William Ruto, the Kenyan Government, and all members of parliament from Anonymous. It has come to our attention that there are discussions in parliament to pass the finance bill, which will unfairly tax the citizens of Kenya," the message says.

The Finance Bill 2024 has led to widespread rejection by Kenyans who have staged protests.

"Kenyan citizens attempting peaceful demonstrations are being unfairly harassed, arrested, and shot at with live bullets by the police force under your command," the message from Anonymous continues.

They revealed that phone numbers belonging to members of parliament are circulating online, hinting at potential cyber-attacks.

Anti-riot police stand guard in Mombasa County, amid 'Occupy Parliament' protests against the Finance Bill, on June 19, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

"Soon, there will be an uprising of hackers, many of whom may reside in your home country. Your secrets may no longer be safe, and there is a chance that all these secrets will be exposed to show how corrupt and unjust members of this parliament are, embezzling public funds for personal gain."

Anonymous, known globally for its cyber-attacks against organisations and governments they accuse of corruption or injustice, has a long history of high-profile actions.

"On Thursday, the 20th of June, Kenyans will march and #OccupyParliament. We do not want you to amend the Finance Bill; we want you to reject it. Listen to the cries of your citizens, or the people of the world will resist you every step of the way," Anonymous declared.

The group's message concluded with a rallying cry for unity and resistance: "Citizens of Kenya, do not worry, Tuko Pamoja! We are Anonymous, We are Legion, Expect us!"

A showdown looms Thursday in various parts of the country as police plan to confront groups of the “occupy Parliament” protesters.

In Nairobi, for instance, a heavy contingent of police was seen in various streets of the Central Business District and around Parliament Buildings as early as 6 am.

The protesters, mostly the young generation, have vowed to stage protests across the country to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.

In Nairobi, more anti-riot police were mobilised ahead of the march on Thursday.

Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei said he was not aware of any protest as there had been no notification on the same. He said he had mobilised his troops to address the situation.

The organisers of the protest dubbed #OccupyParliament said they were ready for the peaceful march and that they had met all the requirements.

This will be the third day of the protest even as the government said they had dropped some of the proposed tax increases.

The organisers are using social media to mobilise and have issued an elaborate plan for the protest against the Finance Bill, 2024.