- On June 20, 2024, the parliament's majority voted in the Finance Bill 2024 amid national protests. This comes after the President urged the MPs to vote in the bill. Despite the legislative victory, Kenyans are determined to fight for their rights.
- Opposition leaders and Gen Z on the frontline to deride the Bill from seeing the light of dawn.
- Opposition leaders have one more chance to save Kenyans during the considerations by the committee.
President Ruto has won the first round of battle over the Finance Bill 2024. The contentious Finance Bill 2024 sailed through amid fiery protests and opposition. Garnering 204 votes, the proposed legislation passed its second reading to the committee stage.
What turned out to be a victory for Kenya's Kwanza government is far from celebrating. Despite this legislative victory, the government is set to face a hurdle. The Gen Z on the streets are not relenting; neither are the opposition leaders.
Speaking in Garissa on June 20, 2024, President Ruto urged the MPs to vote the bill in amid protests. Ruto emphasised the essential projects that will be implemented with the aim of benefiting Kenyans.
"Passing the Finance Bill is crucial to securing employment for our intern teachers and doctors and to finance the school feeding program," President Ruto urged MPs.
The call for Ruto to the MPs bore fruit in supporting the bill to fund his ambitious Ksh 3.9 trillion budget. However, the fight is far from over; significant opposition from Kenyans and opposition leaders has marred the process.
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Opposition leaders have vowed to continue the fight against the bill, emphasising its adverse impacts on Kenyans' lives.
"This is not the end; this journey has just started. We are taking a vote while police are battling young people out there. The battle to protect Kenyans' interests is on and is not over," Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi said.
On the other hand, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino expressed his resentment, urging Gen Z to keep up the game.
"I want to urge Generation Z that demonstrations must continue. It must achieve the final thing so that the oppressor is edged out from power," owino said.
Babu Owino has been vocal in his opposition to the bill, condemning its provisions and proposed tax. His stance remains unshakable. This comes days after he announced himself as the last standing opposition leader during an interview with Citizen TV Jeff Koinange Live (JKL).
Opposition leaders have one last chance to save Kenyans next week when the bill is considered clause by clause.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga has also applauded Kenyans who marched bravely to fight for themselves; having participated in numerous protests in the country, he has set a precedent for many to follow.
Raila also re-shared a video of a young woman leading a protest claiming to represent him.
I'm a very proud father today!" Raila captioned a video on X.
