Relentless Mombasa, Kwale and Garissa residents continue anti-Finance Bill demos

Protests against the Finance Bill, 2024 escalated on Tuesday, with members of the public across the country showing up for marches despite warnings from security agencies of the full force of the law.

Thousands turned up in Mombasa County, with the support of their governor, while boda boda riders and mama mbogas joined the action in Kwale, while the youth in Garissa also held protest, voicing key concerns about the bill.

Mombasa County

In Mombasa, thousands of protesters filled Treasury Square in Mombasa County on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive week of anti-government demonstrations due to the Finance Bill, 2024, which proposes higher taxes.

Chanting various slogans, some against President William Ruto, who asked MPs to pass the bill, and waving placards, the protesters made their way to the office of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir amid a heavy police presence.

Registering frustration with the Kenya Kwanza administration, they demanded action against what they termed increasing government overreach and suppression of dissent. Their primary grievances included allegations of unlawful abductions of activists and critics of the government.

Anti-Finance Bill protesters in Mombasa County on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Governor Abdulswamad, in an unexpected move, emerged from his office and ordered his security officers to open the gates, allowing the protesters inside the compound.

Addressing the crowd directly, he expressed his solidarity with them, saying, “I am abused daily by Ruto’s minions but I take it as an occupational hazard. The president should be open to public criticism. This matter of abductions is an overreaction and has no place in our democracy."

He was referring to at least 10 reported incidents of the kidnapping of activists and strong critics of the government, who have been raising the voice of Kenyans fighting the bill, which MPs voted on earlier in the day. They adopted the bill, meaning it now only awaits presidential assent

A total of 195 MPs voted in favour of the bill rejected by the public as a tool to overburden citizens via higher taxation, while 106 opposed it. There were three spoilt votes.

Abdulswamad further demanded, “The Inspector General must produce Gabriel Oguda and other youth abducted forthwith. We cannot remain silent in the face of these attempts to take Kenya back to the dark days.”

The protests were not without incident, much like in Nairobi, the capital city, where the people gained access to Parliament and destroyed property, with some getting shot by the police.

Anti-Finance Bill protestors in Mombasa County on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Clashes erupted as the demonstrators attempted to make their way onto State House Road in Mombasa.

Two police officers were injured during the skirmishes as protesters tried to breach police lines. In response, police deployed teargas to disperse the crowd, leading to chaotic scenes in the area.

James Mwangi, a 23-year-old protester, voiced the sentiments of many in the crowd, saying, “We are here because we believe in a better Kenya, one where our voices are heard and respected. We will not stand by while our friends are taken from us.”

Rukia Hassan, a 21-year-old protester, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the determination of the youth.

“We are the future of this country. We demand justice and accountability. The government must listen to us. We won’t be silenced.”

Ruth Kadzo, a 19-year-old student, expressed her concerns about the safety of her peers, saying, “We are scared for our lives. The abductions are terrifying. We want to feel safe in our own country.”

Kevin Otieno, 24, highlighted the economic frustrations that many young Kenyans face, stating, “We are struggling every day to make ends meet. Instead of helping us, the government is making things worse by silencing those who speak out. We need real change, not empty promises.”

Ahmed Ali, 22, emphasised the unity among the youth, stating, “We are all here together, from different backgrounds and regions, because we believe in the same cause. This government cannot ignore us any longer. We are the voice of the future, and we demand to be heard.”

The people vowed to continue the demonstrations until their demands are met.

Kwale County

In Kwale County, the number of protesters tripled as the people intensified calls for MPs from the four counties who are supporting the bill to step down.

Tuesday was different for Kwale and other parts of the country as Gen Zs were joined by other citizens.

Mamba mbogas (women grocers) and boda boda riders also took to the streets in the demonstration against tax hikes, which would mean a higher cost of living.

In Msambweni Sub-county, the march started at Darling, with the crowds camping at Feisal Bader's office at Nuru in Ukunda.

In Matuga, they moved from Kwale town to the county headquarters but were stopped before they could gain access to the premises.

Residents of Lunga Lunga and Kinango sub-counties also joined in the protests.

They vowed to continue with the protests until President William Ruto and Kwale MPs step down.

Kwale County residents protest against the Finance Bill on June 25, 2024, on the Lunga Lunga Highway. (Photo: Mishi Gongo/EV)

Mary Onsongo, a grocer at Diani Market, accused President Ruto of betraying mama mbogas and boda boda operators.

"He lied to us. He must step down with immediate effect. He promised a safe space for mama mbogas to conduct their businesses but the taxes twe are paying right now are more than what we take home," she said.

Another businesswoman, who identified herself only as Terry, said they decided to join the youth in the protest to increase its impact.

"We want the president to know that it is not only the youth who do not want the Finance Bill but the public as a whole," she said.

Resident Mwidali Aaron said lawmakers have betrayed the locals in the region by voting yes to the bill and blamed the tough economic situation on President William Ruto and his government.

"It is evident that the president is not capable of leading us so we ask him to step down and allow other capable leaders to lead," he said.

The demonstrators further warned security agents against harassing the youth.

"We are only exercising our constitutional right. Please do not abduct, torture, or arrest our children because they are no longer alone," he said.

Najma Mwandoto said Kenyans don't want the bill because it will negatively affect businesses and the economy. She said they feel betrayed after voting for the Kenya Kwanza government based on promises made that were yet to be fulfilled.

Mwandoto further expressed regret, saying life is increasingly difficult, contrary to what Kenyans were promised. She noted, however, that leaders who voted for the bill can either shape up or  "consider themselves jobless in 2027" when the next general election takes place.

Garissa County

In Garissa, hundreds took to the streets in similar protests,  shouting 'Haki yetu (Our rights)" and "Ruto must go" before assembling at the children's park to voice their concerns. The demonstration was peaceful, with police officers in a Land Cruiser monitoring activities from afar.

Garissa County resident hold a protest on June 24, 2024, against the Finance Bill. (Photo: Issa Hussein/EV)

Demonstrator Jamal Mursal said the youth joined the countrywide action because the proposals in the bill are punitive.

He condemned members of the parliament from the region who voted for the bill, saying they went against the wishes of the majority who elected them to protect their rights.

"You had your day and we will have our day to vote you out," he said amid cheers from the protestors.

Najma Abdullahi said President Ruto short-changed and betrayed hustlers on whose back he rode to power.

"It was a painful moment to witness our president introducing punitive measures hurting mama mbogas and the hustlers whom he promised paradise," she said, adding the bill was introduced to fatten the pockets of corrupt leaders who embezzled billions of shillings in public funds with impunity.

"Fight corruption and pass bills that will end corruption in Kenya before milking dry the poor Kenyans," she claimed.

Anzal Bishar Gure urged Garissa residents to censure and recall all political leaders who supported the bill.

"We are yet to understand what motivated them to pass such a punitive bill that has placed heavy and unnecessary taxation on us. They are no longer our representatives. We feel betrayed."

Several other demonstrators disapproved of the bill and condemned leaders who voted for it, causing it to proceed to the final stage of being signed into law.

Story by Mishi Gongo, Farhiya Hussein, and Issa Hussein