Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a briefing with the leadership of The Nairobi Handcraft Industries and Co-operative Societies at the SKM Command Centre on June 19, 2024. IMAGE: Kalonzo Musyoka/X
In Summary:
- Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka commends young Kenyans for leading protests against the Finance Bill.
- MPs pass the Finance Bill through the Second Reading despite public dissent.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed admiration for the young generation of Kenyans who led anti-Finance Bill protests this week.
On Tuesday and Thursday, young Kenyans took to the streets to voice their opposition to the proposed new taxes in the Bill.
Despite their efforts, MPs passed the Bill through the Second Reading, with 204 voting in favor, 115 against, and 30 absent.
The proactive stance of the youth has garnered praise from many Kenyans, including leaders across the nation. In a statement on Thursday, Kalonzo expressed his growing admiration for the young Kenyans standing up for their rights.
“Every hour, my admiration and appreciation for Kenya’s #GenZ grows by leaps and bounds,” he stated. “From Eldoret to Nairobi, Garissa to Nyeri, Kisumu to Nyeri, Nanyuki to the State House gates in Nakuru and Nairobi, as well as many other parts of the country, you have been conscientious protesters to the Finance Bill, 2024.”
Kalonzo highlighted that although MPs have moved the Finance Bill forward, the young Kenyans have made their voices heard.
He also criticized the police for allegedly using excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators.
“It is unfortunate that our security officers, who should be safeguarding you, are engaging in acts of intimidation and, when that spectacularly failed, resorted to the use of brutal force against you for peacefully exercising your constitutional rights to picket and demonstrate,” he said. “I have repeatedly termed this Bill unreasonable, unsound, and uncorrectable.”
The Finance Bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole House for consideration of proposed amendments. The Committee includes all members of the National Assembly.
“Members, the matter of the Finance Bill is now over. We wait for the committee of the whole. Those who have amendments to file, the clerk and his team will process those amendments,” Speaker Moses Wetangu’la announced after Thursday’s vote.
Amidst these developments, thousands of Kenyans continued to protest nationwide, calling for the Bill to be scrapped entirely, rather than amended.