‘We had to take pause, tumepatwa na teargas’ - Willis Raburu shares experience protesting against Finance Bill

Media personality Willis Raburu shared his experience after joining protests against the Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The Bill, which has sparked public outcry, led to hundreds of Kenyans taking to the streets to voice their opposition but they were forcefully dispersed by police who deployed teargas.

Raburu, who joined the demonstrators, shared his harrowing experience after being caught in the teargas.

“We had to take a pause. Tumepatwa na teargas. However, being together with like-minded Kenyans united towards one goal takes the sting out of life,” he stated.

Despite the physical discomfort and chaos, Raburu noted the solidarity and determination of the protesters to have their voices heard.

“Beyond today, Kenyans must know they have the sovereign power! We are in charge of our destinies, we can make a change. You may not be out like we are, but collectively, our voices must be heard!” he declared.

The ‘Wabebe‘ crooner also highlighted a small victory, noting that public pressure had already led to some amendments to the bill.

“The fact that they have made changes shows our voices mean something!!!!!” he exclaimed.

Jackie Matubia teargassed

Another notable figure at the protest was Kenyan actress Jackie Matubia who also shared her experience.

She shared a picture of herself after being exposed to tear gas during the protests, showing her eyes visibly red and swollen.

Finance Bill amended

Among the key adjustments, the proposed 16% VAT on bread and VAT on the transportation of sugar have been removed. Additionally, VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions has been scrapped, and there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees.

“The proposed 16 per cent VAT on bread has been removed. VAT on the transportation of sugar has also been removed. VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions has also been removed,” Kuria said.

Other changes include the removal of the 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax and excise duty on vegetable oil. Levies on the Housing Fund and Social Health Insurance will be income tax deductible.

“Levies on the Housing Fund and Social Health Insurance will become income tax deductible. This means the levies will not attract income tax, putting much more money in the pockets of employees,” he disclosed.

Kuria said locally manufactured products such as sanitary towels, diapers, phones, computers, tyres, and motorcycles will be exempt from the Eco Levy. The VAT registration threshold has been increased from Ksh5 million to Ksh8 million, reducing the need for small businesses to register.

The responsibility for electronic invoicing ETIMS by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been removed for farmers and small businesses with a turnover below Ksh1 million.

The Molo MP also said excise duty will be imposed on imported table eggs, onions, and potatoes. Additionally, the excise duty on alcoholic beverages will now be based on alcohol content rather than volume, with higher alcohol content attracting more duty. The exemption for pension contributions has also been increased from Ksh20,000 to Ksh30,000.