Wilson Center Africa Program’s Post

In my view, the #RejectFinanceBill2024protests stand out for several reasons. I will focus on three: 1. the absence of a central organisation leading the protests 2. crowdsourcing the finances required 3. a heightened trust deficit between citizens and the state https://ow.ly/3KN950SyBka

I've been closely following the ongoing protests in Kenya, and it's clear they stem from deep-rooted issues that go beyond the recent finance bill.From my perspective, these demonstrations reflect a widespread demand for greater accountability and transparency in governance. While the bill's withdrawal addressed an immediate concern, the persistence protests suggest broader systemic challenges needing attention. As international scholars like Johan Galtung reminds us,sustainable peace hinges on addressing both immediate grievances and underlying structural inequalities. This perspective underscores the importance of comprehensive reforms to rebuild trust and foster long-term stability. Moreover, viewing these protests through a socio-economic lens reveals underlying frustrations about unemployment, inequality and governance efficacy. It's crucial for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, ensuring all voices are heard to forge a path forward that respects democratic principles and meets citizen expectations. Stability in Kenya isn't just a national concern but vital for regional stability as well.I believe leveraging these challenges as opportunities for constructive change is key.Let's advocate for inclusive governance and policies that address the core concerns driving these protests, ensuring a brighter,more equitable future for all.

The recent protests in Kenya have highlighted a complex interplay of political, economic, and social issues. Sparked by rising costs of living, rampant corruption, and perceived government inefficiencies, these protests have drawn widespread participation across various demographics. Citizens, frustrated by soaring prices of essential commodities and high unemployment rates, took to the streets demanding accountability and urgent reforms. The protests have been marked by a mix of peaceful demonstrations and instances of violence, both from protestors and law enforcement. Reports of police brutality, including the use of excessive force and arbitrary arrests, have fueled further anger and resentment among the populace. On the other hand, some protests have devolved into looting and property destruction, complicating the public perception and international response. The government's handling of the situation has been criticized for its heavy-handed approach and lack of substantive engagement with protestors' grievances. Instead of addressing the root causes, the administration's focus on maintaining order has often led to more clashes, deepening the public's disillusionment with the political system. This period of unrest in Kenya underscores the urgent need for a more responsive and transparent governance structure. Addressing the economic hardships and ensuring social justice are pivotal for restoring public trust and achieving long-term stability.

Early Warning Systems and Mechanisms: Did the Kenyan Government fail to heed the warning? A wave of protests took Kenya by storm. This was sparked by a controversial proposed tax hike. Since then, the movement has made headway into a broader campaign for more accountable governance, with some calling for the entire resignation of President Ruto's cabinet. The demonstrations began on June 18 and remained mostly peaceful for a week, but turned aggressive in the early afternoon of June 25. Several demonstrators breached police barricades and stormed the precincts of parliament, setting parts of the building on fire, destroying legislators’ offices, and stealing property, including the speaker’s mace. The Kenyan police, revered and known for their barbarity and recently criticized for frequently using tear gas and batons against protesters, responded with the use of life ammunition. On June 26, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that 39 people had been killed since the protests began. The unprecedented scenes in the Houses of Parliament shocked Kenyans. President William Ruto, who initially vacillated between claiming the protests had been “hijacked” by criminals and promising talks with the participants, ultimately agreed to shelve the contentious Finance Bill 2024 on June 26. Despite this unexpected victory, demonstrators vowed to continue, and, as such, Kenya is still to witness the return of effective peace and tranquility. The overarching question is this: Did the Kenyan government fail to adhere to early warning systems? Could the loss of life be averted? What have we to learn about the management of protests considering recent events in Kenya? Is there more to recent events and are there hidden forces behind the scenes that wish to bring an end to Ruto's early reign as head of state? From my end, the lesson that I have drawn is this: ##Power lies in the hands of the masses, they can lift you and bring you down when they speak as a collective## ##African leaders should listen to the voice of reason, for it lies in the people##.

Young Kenyans have been making their voices heard in recent protests, driven by socio-political and economic grievances. Despite facing threats from the government, including force, arrests, and bullets, the protests have led to the withdrawal of the controversial finance bill. Social media has played a key role in organizing protests and spreading information, with the hashtag #EndFinanceBill being used to protest proposed tax reforms. The protests have also led to a broader conversation about the role of youth in governance and decision-making processes, with a growing recognition that addressing their concerns is crucial for the country's stability and development. Want to learn more about the youth-led protests in Kenya? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/exDuRUvj #PrimeProgress #YouthEmpowerment #KenyaProtests #DemocracyInAction #SocialMediaForChange

PROTESTS YIELD RESULTS UNLIKE CONVERSATIONS After college in our mid 20s, I led our group of 55 fellow youth in petitioning the County Government of Nyeri via the County Assembly of Nyeri. Now in our 30s, we still frequent the County Government of Nyeri offices for them to take ACTION and implement what they committed to 5 years after. H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH and anyone who thinks an invite to the table should seize the Street Calls for Radical Action! That's just one case in the DP's county that should justify why all Kenyans should support the protests happening countrywide. We need a change of DNA in Kenya's governance system. Diplomatic approaches such as #Dialogue and Constitutionally Framed Petitions don't really yield much, do they? Patriotic Kenyans should actually raise funds to bail out all those who will be arraigned in court for invading Kenya's Parliament: Were it not for such boldness: Finance Bill 2024 / 2025 and The Lands Law (No:2, 2023 Amendment) Bill wouldn't have been WITHDRAWN 💪🏾. Ndegwa wa Ng’ang’a BonnyBull, Njamba na Nyarari: Gùtirí Ituíka Ihùthù! Intentionality and Accountability in Action.

It would be wrong not to acknowledge the current protests happening in Kenya against the proposed finance bill 2024/2025. The protest is distinctive in several ways, significantly shaped by social media and driven by the determination of a generation for whom these technologies are second nature. If we are to compare the ongoing wave of protest to that backed by the opposition parties in the government during periods of mass disapproval ,a few differences stand out. This new wave of protests is notable for several reasons. Firstly, there is no single representative who can be compromised or threatened if the government attempts to intervene. Secondly, the protesters are well-informed about their cause and are capable of engaging in meaningful discourse. Finally, they are highly organized and respectful, prioritizing the rights and property of non-protesters and local businesses. What are your thoughts ? #RejectFinanceBill2024

Kenya's young people protests against the finance bill is the first of a kind as young people who comprise over 80 percent of Kenyans population become more restless, impatient and bored by government policy and institutions such as the church that do not listen or feel them or respond to their cry. Their peaceful protests were infiltrated by politically instigated goons who destroyed property, stole and looted. The protests have been called of for re-strategising. What next for the Gen Z? What actions should the president take to respond to the plight of young people? What steps will Kenya take to turn the youth bulge into a demographic dividend as opposed to a curse? What are your thoughts?

The media in Kenya are describing these protests as the Gen Z Demo’s, in a country dominated by a youthful dynamic, this is the considered to be a new wave of protests being organised and undertaken by young people without instigation by politicians. The main focus of these protests is the perceived significant impact of the proposed Finance Bill which would impose significant additional taxation. Why I won’t comment on politics, it is maybe the start of Kenyans moving away from the traditional political elite and looking to the future based on what impacts them the most which can only be a good thing. #kenya #protests #financebill

The Young Generation United for Social Justice in Kenya We, the youth of Kenya, are standing together to demand social justice and accountability from our leaders. Our voices are strong, our resolve is unwavering, and our commitment to defending and upholding the constitution is clear. We are not what President William Ruto labels us; we are the future of this nation, ready to lead with integrity and purpose. #OurCalltoAction: We urge all international communities, leaders of goodwill, and human rights organizations to intervene and support our cause. We need your voices to amplify our message and urge President Ruto to listen to the youth of Kenya. #WhereIsMalema #WhereIsBarackObama #WhereIsPloLumumba We call upon all Pan-Africanists, international communities, the United Nations, human rights organizations, and the International Criminal Court in The Hague to stand with us in solidarity. #WhyThisMatters: Our leaders have failed us, and it is time for a change. The youth of Kenya are ready to take on the mantle of leadership and drive our nation towards a brighter, more just future. We are deeply committed to this cause, and we will not rest until justice is served and our voices are heard. Our dedication to defending and upholding the constitution is unwavering, and we are prepared to lead with integrity and purpose. #JoinUs: Share this message, tag relevant leaders and organizations, and use your platforms to make our call for justice go viral. Together, we can create a movement that brings about real change. #CalltoAction: If you believe in justice and the power of youth to shape a better future, please share this post, tag influential leaders and organizations, and use the hashtags #WhereIsMalema, #WhereIsBarackObama, and #WhereIsPloLumumba.