June 25, 2024 will forever go down in history as the day when hundreds of thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024.
The protest, largely led by Gen Z demonstrators, was met with teargas and a heavy police presence as they marched toward Parliament.
Several Finance Bill protesters were shot dead, and a fire broke out, but the mass was unrelenting.
Despite the security measures, the protesters managed to breach the perimeter and gain access to the legislative building.
The situation quickly escalated, and Members of Parliament were forced to evacuate.
Kuria Kimani and Junet Mohammed Describe Events
Molo MP Kuria Kimani, the then Finance Minister, recalls the moment vividly. He described the demonstrators as furious and unrelenting.
“They were baying for our blood,” he said.
“It was not about the voting records of MPs or the bill anymore. They just wanted to attack us.”
Kuria mentioned how the protesters even targeted MP Millie Odhiambo, with the intent to harm her.
“That was when I knew things were really bad,” he added.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed also shared his experience, acknowledging the scale and intensity of the protest.
“I have participated in many demonstrations in my life as an opposition leader, but this was unlike anything I have ever seen,” Mohamed said.
“It felt like the protesters had made up their minds that all politicians were their enemies. I was scared to death.”
The protest marked a turning point, reflecting the anger and frustration of the youth toward the government’s actions.
President Ruto would later heed to the protesters’ call, and refused to sign the Bill into law.
By Vivian K.