Coast

Kwale County youth join the anti-Finance Bill protests

Sandra Onyingu (centre) joins other Kwale residents in protesting against the Finance Bill 2024 at Mvindeni Market in Msambweni sub county, Kwale County. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Friday, June 21, 2024

Ngati warned that taxpayers were tired of being overburdened with taxes and would no longer tolerate leaders who do not represent them.

Hundreds of locals from Kwale County joined the countrywide anti-finance Bill 2024 protests, seeking to heap pressure on the government to reduce taxes poised to start July 1 this year.

The youthful protesters who began demonstrating on Tuesday in Nairobi also urged the government to lower the cost of living and fix a slow economy.

Keep reading

On Friday, Kwale youth brought businesses in Mvindeni and Diani to a standstill.

Speaking during the protests, the demonstrators blamed Kwale members of parliament for betraying them by voting for the Bill during the second reading.

The MPs, Gonzi Rai of Kinango, Kassim Tandaza (Matuga), Chiforomodo Mangale (Lunga Lunga) and Feisal Bader (Msambweni), were among the 204 MPs who voted yes against 115 colleagues who opposed the Finance Bill.

A youth leader, Sumeiya Omar, said that the locals plan to hold all four MPs accountable and further condemned them for being selfish.

"The MPs should go home. They are not fit to lead the people of Kwale County. They are more focused on their selfish interests rather than the resident's welfare," she vowed.

Sumeiya added that they would not accept the amendments as they prefer the document to be redrafted.

Kwale residents protests against the Finance Bill 2024 at Mvindeni Market in Msambweni sub county, Kwale County. (Photo Mishi Gongo)

Kwale residents protest against the Finance Bill 2024 at Mvindeni Market in Msambweni sub-county, Kwale County. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Technical University of Mombasa Kwale Campus student Sandra Omwake argued the Finance Bill is very oppressive and seeks to subject them to poverty.

She said the leaders still have time to act and do the right thing. The youth will also follow closely and watch every step the leaders take.

"We are the voters, and we are marking those who have no interest in the locals at heart," the student warned.

Another youth, Juma Ngati, urged the younger generation to arm themselves with votes and remove incompetent leaders in 2027.

Ngati warned that taxpayers were tired of being overburdened with taxes and would no longer tolerate leaders who do not represent them.

"Have your votes ready to send incompetent leaders and traitors home come 2027," Ngati encouraged the youth, adding that MPs who support the bill will enjoy short-lived fame before regretting their decisions in the future.

He warned that the youth would vote them out in the next elections.

Maggy Onyingu lamented that it was unfair for students to depend on the High Education Loan Board (HELB) loans to fund their education for four years only to be overtaxed by the government when unemployed.

Kwale residents protest against the Finance Bill 2024 in Msambweni sub-county, Kwale County. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Onyingu added that Generation Z youth will continue to stand firm against oppressive laws and leaders.

Najma Mwandoto, conversely, said Kenyans are opposed to the finance bill as the taxes it proposes will affect businesses and the economy.

"We feel betrayed because we elected these MPs to represent us, but they are now only focused on enriching themselves," complained Najma.

She added that they feel betrayed after voting for the Kenya Kwanza government based on the promises issued during campaigns.

Mwandoto expressed regret, noting that life has been getting harder, contrary to the promises made to Kenyans.

Human Rights Agenda Public Complaint Officer Mwinyihaji Chamosi also joined the youth, saying that he rejects the bill, which is set to crucify Kenyans.

He said the bill would press Kenyans to the ground and leave them helpless.

Mwinyihaji added that, as human rights activists, they will call for more protests to ensure Kenyans' rights and voices are respected.