Finance Bill protests: Parents fearful about student safety during midterm break

As Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 continue, parents have raised concerns about school-going children potentially joining the demonstrations during the midterm break, which is running from June 26–28.

Their worry is heightened by the police response to the demonstrations, which has been termed excessive, with two people dead so far: 29-year-old Rex Masai and 21-year-old Evans Kiratu.

Gen Zs have effectively used social media platforms like X, TikTok, and WhatsApp to mobilise protesters, and in this digital age, many young schoolchildren have smartphones and might be influenced to join the movement.

Benjamin Muendo, a parent from Eastleigh, Nairobi, said, "Things are not good, and as a parent, I'm not happy. Sales are very low, and the demonstrations are affecting our business. There's a lot of chaos. Parents should ensure the safety of their children."

He also lamented the brutality of the police, emphasising that it’s a constitutional right to demonstrate.

"The role of the police is to protect citizens. Why are they injuring young people? The government needs to reconsider because it's dangerous, especially with the midterm break."

Businessman Benjamin Muendo is pictured during an interview with The Eastleigh Voice on June 24 2024, regarding the Finance Bill which Gen Zs have rejected. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/ EV)

John Omondi, a boda boda operator in Eastleigh, advised parents to keep their school-going children away from the demonstrations.

"Now that the children are on their midterm break, parents need to be vigilant and protect them from the peer pressure that easily spreads on TikTok."

He expressed concern that many young children are unaware of safety measures and how to protect themselves during demonstrations.

"Make sure you know the whereabouts of your child and keep a close watch to ensure safety. Since this protest is organised by youths, it's easy for young children to be carried away."

Harriet Mutua, a mother of a 14-year-old in Nairobi, said, "Since I won't be at home because I'll be at work, I'm not sure how things will go, but I will talk to her and encourage her to do her homework because I won't be fully aware of what she does."

"It's important for us to educate our school-going children about the dangers of these demonstrations because many are unaware and just want to join for the fun portrayed on social media," she also said, adding that divine intervention was important.

She also highlighted the increased cost of living and its impact, saying, "School fees, transportation ... the cost of everything has gone up. As much as we want peace in our country, we are hard-pressed."

Boda boda ride John Omondi, from Eastleigh in Nairobi, is pictured during an interview on June 24 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/ EV)

Mohammed Khalif, a resident of Eastleigh, expressed concerns that many school-going children might be influenced to join the protests due to the pressure to keep up with social trends.

"We urge the police to be humane in handling protesters, especially since many high school students might find their way into the demonstrations during their break."

Dennis Obino, who intends to join Tuesday's protest against the bill, cautioned parents against involving children.

"Let's ensure the protest remains peaceful. School-going children should be kept away," he said, and asked the government to swiftly resolve the issues, as the situation reflects poorly on Kenya, internationally.

"The whole world is watching us, and while it's our constitutional right to protest, the police should not abuse protesters, and protesters should maintain peace."

The social media platforms the young people are using to mobilise for the protests are popular among them and often beyond parental control. This next week, they are planning "7 Days of Rage", beginning with a mission to occupy parliament as MPs vote on the bill.

As the protests intensify and the bill moves through the various stages of gaining presidential assent, the police have been urged to stop using excessive force against the crowds. They have used tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets in some instances. There have also been reports of abductions, which have raised significant security concerns.