Protesters storm home of National Assembly Finance Committee Chairman Kuria Kimani
By JOHN NJOROGE AND ERIC MATARAAngry protesters stormed the rural home of Molo MP Kuria Kimani on Tuesday afternoon as they intensified protests over the Finance Bill 2024.
Kuria Kimani is the chairman of the National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee, which has been at the centre of a storm over new tax proposals that Kenyans say are punitive.
Police had to fire teargas to disperse a large crowd of protesters who were determined to break into the MP’s residence.
The protesting youths, however, threw stones at the police and into the compound, smashing some windows.
The protesters almost overpowered the police, but the security officers called for reinforcements and managed to secure the house.
Mr Kuria was the poster boy for the unpopular bread and vehicle taxes contained in the 2024 Finance Bill.
In recent weeks, the MP has become a punching bag for Kenyans, especially on social media, after publicly supporting controversial tax proposals in the controversial Finance Bill.
In Nakuru town, protesters also attempted to storm Nakuru East MP David Gikaria along Section 58 road, but were repelled by police.
At one point, the MP’s security had to fire in the air to disperse the protesters, who were chanting songs and slogans condemning the MP for voting in favour of the Bill in Parliament.
The MP’s residence is along Section 58 road near State House Nakuru.
Another group of protesters also stormed the offices of Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama and Rongai MP Paul Chebor.