The Finance Bill unleashed a plethora of events with the climax resulting in Kenyan youth taking to the street to make their voices heard and demonstrate their opposition to the Finance Bill. This event has united the Gen Z — the unconventional digital savvy generation — and for the first time in Kenyan history transcends both tribal and social divisions.
With citizens having mobilised themselves outside parliament in an attempt to sway legislators from passing the bill, the day was not without its challenges, as water cannons were used in an attempt to disperse the peaceful protestors, who stood their ground. One poignant moment during the protest was when the demonstrators sang the national anthem, displaying their loyalty to the country.
Tragically, the peaceful demonstration took a turn when Rex Kanyike Masai, a participant, was killed by police officers. Kenyan youth gathered to pay their respects to him at the morgue. His death has sparked controversy, with some individuals speculating about the identity of the police officer responsible.
Such events are unfortunate, considering the peaceful nature of the protests organized by Generation Z. Citizens exercising their democratic rights should not face such hostility from the government forces that are supposed to protect them.
Further complicating matters, Edgar Wabwire was arrested for sharing Senator Gloria Orwoba’s number on social media platform X and is being charged under the Data Protection Act. This comes after phone numbers of Kenyan MPs were leaked on the internet, allowing Kenyans to contact them regarding their votes on the finance bill.
The Data Protection Commission has issued a statement warning that anyone found sharing personal information such as phone numbers will face legal action.
As Kenyans witness Generation Z revolutionizing the way demonstrations are conducted, they are also waiting for the government’s response to these events.
