Police officers deploy teargas against protestors in Mombasa on June 19, 2024. IMAGE | Courtesy
In Summary:
- A section of Mombasa residents protest the Finance Bill 2024, urging MPs to reject it.
- Clashes with police occur as protests spread to other counties.
The #OccupyParliament movement continued into its second day on Wednesday as Mombasa residents took to the streets to protest the Finance Bill 2024 currently under discussion in Parliament.
Chanting and carrying placards, the demonstrators urged Members of Parliament to reject the controversial bill.
The protests began at 8:00 am at three main locations: Pembe za Ndovu, Mwembe Tayari, and Makadara Grounds. Despite the rainy weather, the determined residents marched through the streets, calling on legislators to listen to their demands.
A large police presence was deployed to Mombasa’s Central Business District, resulting in clashes with the protestors. Police used teargas in an attempt to disperse the peaceful demonstration.
Similar scenes unfolded on Tuesday in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where protestors clashed with police. Several demonstrators were arrested and later released after police intervened with teargas.
The #OccupyParliament protests are set to continue on Thursday in other counties, including Meru, Eldoret, Laikipia, Nakuru, and Nyeri, according to posters circulated online.
Meanwhile, Members of Parliament are scheduled to debate the bill on Wednesday during the Second Reading and will proceed to vote on Thursday, deciding whether to pass or reject the bill.