Protesting Gen Zs reject Ruto's promise of dialogue on Finance Bill

Anti-Finance Bill protesters, largely Gen Zs and human rights activists, have rejected President William Ruto's offer to engage in dialogue.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Sunday, activist Hanifa Adan said that if Ruto wants a discussion, he should do it online, where everyone is present, to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

"We won't be represented by anyone else. Instead, we'll issue a formal demand letter, and he must respond publicly to the youth, where they are," she said, adding that the president missed the opportunity for the discussions with authorities arresting and hurting peaceful demonstrators.

"He had the opportunity to do so earlier, but it's too late now. We're beyond the talking stage, and his claims of support ring hollow when the police are using live bullets and violence against peaceful protesters. We demand that he respects our constitutional rights, stops the killings, and ceases arrests for speaking truth to power," she said.

Ruto on Sunday lauded young people for engaging in demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024, saying they have portrayed their democratic duty. He said his administration would engage them in a candid conversation to identify their issues and build a better country.

"Our young people have stepped forward to engage in the affairs of their country. They have done a democratic duty to stand and be recognised ... we are going to have a conversation with you so that we can identify your issues, work together as a nation and streamline ...," he said during a church service in Nyahururu, Laikipia County.

"I am very proud of our young people. They have stepped forward tribeless. They have stepped forward peacefully ...we are going to engage so that together we can build a better nation ... we are concerned about their issues."

The courage and unity that our youth have exhibited in the management of our country’s affairs is encouraging. We will engage them to discuss their concerns and build a better Kenya for everyone.

In the company of Deputy President @rigathi, Governors, MPs and MCAs, joined the… pic.twitter.com/3mlZodRSfG

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) June 23, 2024

Other protesters shared their thoughts on the president's remarks via social media, and vowed to continue protesting on Tuesday and Thursday.

"No time for dialogue, sir! We asked you to reject [it] but you amended it. That’s not democracy," said an X user identified only as Steve.

Joe, another user of the platform formerly known as Twitter, said, "You can only engage us by first rejecting the Finance Bill."

One Nimu Kiarie noted that the only language the protesters will understand is the rejection of the bill.

"On fair ground, we promise you that we will engage. Otherwise #RejectTheFinanceBill."

Onyi Claude issued a warning, saying, "Listen to the voice of the young people and prepare for what is about to befall you."

Last Thursday, hundreds of protesters, including celebrities and activists, gathered in the Nairobi central business district chanting "Ruto must go" as MPs convened for a parliamentary session to vote on the bill.

The police responded with tear gas, water cannons, the arrest of hundreds, and shootings, and thus far, two people, 29-year-old Rex Masai and 21-year-old Evans Kiratu, have died. Masai was shot, while Kiratu died from wounds inflicted by a tear gas canister.

Amid the protests and warnings that they will intensify, members of Parliament have advanced the Finance Bill 2024 to the next legislative stage after its second reading, during which 204 voted in favour and 115 opposed it.

The bill moves to the Committee of the Whole House next week, where a detailed review and voting on proposed amendments will occur.