At least four people have been confirmed injured from the Finance Bill 2024 protests currently happening in Nairobi and across various regions of the country.
According to a statement by the Kenya Red Cross, their officers conducted first aid to four injured protestors in Nairobi, adding that their first responders were on site to provide such emergency services should they arise.
“Following the ongoing demonstrations in the Nairobi CBD, we have provided first aid to four injured people,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
“Our first responders remain on standby in various areas across the country.”
Protests rocked most parts of the country ahead of the voting of the Bill on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Protestors argued that they wanted the Finance Bill 2024, rejected and not amended.
In Nairobi, a section of residents carrying placards signed #RejectFinanceBill2024 staged demonstrations as early as 6 am in the CBD and around parliament.
Police cordoned off Parliament Road and government offices in plans to quell the protests and prevent protesters from accessing the August House.
In Kisumu, residents staged the protests in the city’s CBD, across Kondele among other areas, as they called on leaders to throw out the bill, which they say is a burden to already struggling citizens.
Finance Budget cuts
State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed listed a raft of changes and budget cuts that the government would make should the Finance Bill 2024 fail to sail through parliament.
Among the said proposals made by the Treasury, according to an undated statement shared by Hussein, is the reduction of Ksh3.7 billion from the budget allocated for medical interns.
“The following are the proposed reductions in the budget that would necessitate amendments to the Appropriations Bill if the Finance Bill 2024 is not approved,” the statement read.
Similarly, operations under the State House will see a reduction of Ksh500 million in the amount allocated if the Finance Bill 2024 fails to go through, among 47 other cuts across the departments.
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