Police Teargas Youth Protesting Finance Bill In Nairobi CBD

Police on Tuesday, June 6 engaged youth demonstrating against the Finance Bill 2023 in running battles at Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) amidst pressure by President William Ruto to recall some of the controversial tax proposals.

A group of activists had gathered at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi to protest against the Bill, but police officers lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the rowdy crowd which disrupted traffic and business at the National Treasury at Harambee Avenue. 

A number of demonstrators were also arrested during the protests organised by a consortium of lobby groups.

Police arrest protesters during their march in Nairobi CBD to Parliament in opposing the Finance Bill on June 5, 2023. /VIRALTEAKE

The activists were armed with placards, flags and whistles while chanting against the bill, and had convened at Jeevanjee Gardens at 8.00 am before commencing their march to Parliament.

The poor cannot sleep because they are hungry, and the rich cannot sleep because the poor are aware and hungry- read some of the placards held by the protestors.

“We don’t want it, Kenyans don’t want it, just withdraw it because it will kill the already bleeding economy,” one activist yelled before police intervened and dispersed the meeting.

Minutes before 8.00 am, a contingent of anti-riot police officers had gathered around Jeevanjee Gardens to ward off any potential chaotic scenes.

Political activist Boniface Mwangi condemned the arrests and questioned why the peaceful protesters were accosted for simply exercising their constitutional rights.

"Sending police to arrest peaceful protesters for exercising their right to be heard is dictatorial behaviour. Tell your boss to let the people protest, "Mwangi criticised President Ruto's regime. 

The protests were termed Sita Sita because they occurred on the sixth day of the sixth month. They were aimed at showing solidarity as well as support against the Finance Bill.

"There is a peaceful protest tomorrow to reject the Finance Bill 2023. The assembly point is at Jevanjee Gardens. The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has been notified, and they are supposed to provide security.

"Carry a flag, whistle, placard, and water and let your voice be heard. Say no to tax slavery," Mwangi, a professional and award-winning photojournalist, stated on June 5, 2023.

The Finance Bill will be tabled in Parliament on Thursday, June 8, for Members of Parliament to deliberate and vote for or against it.

MPs have up to Thursday, June 15, to determine the fate of the Bill before the reading of the 2023/24 budget. 

President Ruto on Sunday, June 4 dressed down members of parliament who would oppose the government's Finance Bill, suggesting that they vote for the controversial bill in Parliament in an open ballot.

The Head of State expressed his desire in knowing the identities of the politicians who would vote against the Bill, adding that Kenyans ought to know the leaders who oppose the Bill providing youth opportunities yet they were voted for to create the same.