The Finance Bill 2024 protests, widely known as #RejectFinanceBill2024 or the Gen Z protests, erupted on June 18, 2024, taking the country by storm and shaking the nation’s political and social foundations.
The protests arose from widespread public discontent with the proposed bill, which included tax increases and levies affecting key sectors such as fuel, housing, and salaries.
On the first day of protests, thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets of Nairobi to voice their opposition to the bill.
Protesters called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to reject the bill during its second reading on June 20, 2024.
Despite the public outcry, the bill was passed by MPs on June 21, 2024, sparking nationwide unrest and violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
On June 25, 2024, tensions peaked as protesters stormed Parliament buildings, leading to confrontations with police that resulted in multiple deaths and numerous injuries.
A day later, on June 26, President William Ruto addressed the nation, announcing his decision to withhold signing the bill into law due to its unpopularity.
In the wake of the protests, President Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet on July 11, 2024, retaining only Prime Cabinet Secretary Foreign Musalia Mudavadi.
However, six of the former Cabinet Secretaries were reappointed to different positions within the reshuffled cabinet.
By July 19 and July 24, Ruto had appointed four members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to his cabinet, a move that ultimately quelled the Gen Z protests.
These appointments sparked celebrations in regions that had previously been centres of anti-government demonstrations.
Celebs in Gen Z protests
The Gen Z demonstrations were notable not only for their scale but also for the participation of high-profile public figures.
Several celebrities and even children of politicians joined protesters in the streets, voicing their frustrations with the Finance Bill 2024.
Among the celebrities who took part in the protests were:
Jackie Matubia
Boniface Mwangi
Murugi Munyi
Abel Mutua
Catherine Kamau alias Kate Actress
Phil Karanja
Willis Raburu
Carey Priscilla
Betty Kyallo
Anerlisa Muigai
Saumu Mbuvi
The presence of celebrities added visibility and weight to the Gen Z protests, amplifying its message both locally and internationally against Finance Bill 2024.
