Mombasa activists, youth and other dwellers on Thursday took it to the street to criticize the Kenya Kwanza Government for advancing for the ‘oppressive’ Finance Bill 2024.
The protesters led by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma condemned Legislatures for being inhuman and advancing for the passage of the draconian Finance Bill 2024, mostly those from Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
Speaking during the protests, Auma said he was impressed by how the youthful generation now famously known as ‘Gen Z’ for coming out in large numbers to fight for what is ‘killing’ their parents, the high cost of living.
Auma expressed displeasure with the manner in which President William Ruto has been running the government.
“We expected an all-inclusive government where Mama Mboga and Bodaboda would have a say and their lives uplifted because these people are our parents. However, it is now evident that this government is a very careless government that wants to see us dead because of hunger,” reiterated the activist.
Auma noted that they will not relent in fighting for their rights, urging coastal people to take caution and distance themselves from leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition as they are serving their selfish interest and not the Kenyans at the grassroots level.
The protests started at the Uhuru Gardens all through the Moi avenue and finally ended at the treasury squares where the Mombasa County government offices and the County assembly buildings are located.
Civic education
Meanwhile, the youth have noted that they will accelerated civic education to their parents who are the Mama mbogas and Bodaboda to ensure they fully understand what is in the Finance Bill.
Activist Farida Ali said some of Mombasa residents are quiet about the Finance bill most likely because some do not know exactly what’s the content of the controversial bill.
“After these protests, we will embark on civic education, educating our parents who are the Mama mbogas and Bodabodas on the draconian Finance Bill 2024 so that they can take stock and be guided wisely in future before they cast their vote,” she said.
Kilifi
Meanwhile in Kilifi, youth staged an anti-Finance bill protests castigating the Kenya Kwanza government for ignoring the plights of Kenyans.
Led by youth activist Fikirini Jacobs, the youth and other rights defenders chanted anti-government slogans asking Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill in totality.
“Thank you Kilifi and like I said; Overtime, the Government has taken for granted the opinions of our parents. This generation says never again, never again shall we stretch our patience to accommodate the irresponsibility of the William Samoei Ruto government. This message should be louder, stronger and clearer,” he said.
[Youth Activist and politician Fikirini Jacobs (close left) leading Anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests in Kilifi on Thursday. Photo/courtesy/June, 20, 24].
During the second reading at the Parliament on Thursday afternoon a total of 204 MPs voted yes, while 115 MPs rejected the bill. Amid all day long protests in the Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi.
This is even as the anti-Finance Bill protests gained momentum countrywide with Mombasa, Kilifi, Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega and Nakuru experienced in protests against the Finance bill 2024 for the entire day, Thursday.
