Kenyans in diaspora to stage anti-tax protests on Tuesday
By Hilary KimuyuKenyans in the Diaspora are set to join hands on Tuesday with those back home to reject the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
In a bid to show their patriotism and support for Kenyans back home, Kenyans in various cities in the UK have organised protests scheduled for June 25, 2024, which will coincide with when MPs will be voting on the Finance Bill and marks day 5 of ‘7 Days of Rage’.
“Day 5, Tuesday, June, 25: #OccupyParliament. A national strike. Gen Z are granting all hard-working Kenyans a day off. Parents keep your children at home in solidarity,” a poster which has been shared on social media noted.
On Sunday, former Presidential aspirant and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah led Kenyans in protesting against the Finance Bill 2024 in Dallas, US and expressed support for the bid to have the Bill shot down.
He urged the diaspora community to voice their concerns and support their fellow Generation Z in the protests.
“We want to chase away fraudsters together with our young generation Z,” he said.
In Los Angeles, former Miss Universe – Kenya Rachel Mbuki took her protest to the Kenyan Consulate in LA to also protest which was backed by, among other influential Kenyans, popular content creator and nurse, Nurse Judy.
Kenyans in Washington, DC also staged their protest at the Kenyan Embassy on Sunday afternoon.
On Tuesday, Kenyans in the UK will meet up at Hanley Park from 12 PM while those in Dallas will converge at Dallas City Hall.
“I stand as a voice from the Kenyan diaspora, deeply concerned about the welfare and future of my motherland, Kenya. The imposition of the Finance Bill 2024 is predicted to substantially impact the economy and the people of our beloved country in detrimental ways,” a petition from change.org reads in part.
It adds that if passed, this bill would contribute to a decline in overall living standards, disproportionately burdening the less fortunate.
“With the power of our unified voices, we can make a significant impact. Our country’s government needs to refocus its strategies toward inclusive growth and shared prosperity, rather than measures that would further impoverish the already struggling populace,” it says.
“As Kenyan diaspora, we hold influential positions globally and it is our responsibility to use our voices to advocate for positive change. We implore the government to reconsider the implications of the Finance Bill 2024. This petition will be submitted, demonstrating our solid stand against this bill. No matter where we are in the world, as Kenyans, our voice matters! Our beloved Kenya needs us now more than ever. Rise, sign this petition, and let your voice be heard!”
Anti-Finance Bill protests, largely led by Generation Z (Gen Z) and human rights activists, started in Nairobi on June 18, the day the controversial document was tabled in parliament for debate by the National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Kuria Kimani.
On Sunday, President William Ruto expressed his readiness to engage in dialogue with demonstrators led by a youth group.
Dr Ruto hailed the youth for speaking out on political issues that affect them while attending a church service in Nyahururu.
“Our young people have stepped forward to engage in the affairs of their country. They have done a democratic duty to stand and be recognized, and I want to tell you that we are going to have a conversation with you to identify your concerns and work together as a nation,” he said.