The controversial Finance Bill 2024 passed the second reading in the National Assembly Thursday amid street protests in Nairobi and other major towns.
Speaker Moses Wetangula, in the Thursday evening voting session, announced that 204 Mps voted in favour of the finance bill while 115 MPs voted in opposition of the finance bill.
He further said that the Bill will now come up again before the entire House
Kenyans across the country were disappointed and angered by the votes , mainly the youths who have been on the streets since Tuesday.
Thousands of Kenyan citizens especially the Gen Z demonstrators were on the streets in June 2024 to protest against punitive measures in the Finance Bill.
The bill, which has been a subject of intense debate and public outcry, aims to introduce new tax measures to raise additional revenue for the government’s budget.
However, many Kenyans have expressed concerns over the proposed taxes, arguing that they will further burden the already struggling populace.
In Nairobi, demonstrators, mainly the GenZ’s took to the streets to voice their opposition to the bill, resulting in violent clashes with the police.
Protesters accused the police of using excessive force, including tear gas and water cannons, to disperse the crowds.
“Why are they beating us yet we are peaceful protesters,” one protester yelled engulfed in teargas smoke, “and that is why we are saying [President] Ruto must go.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said Thursday’s events are a clear indication of the government’s disregard for the voice of the people.
“Instead of listening to our concerns, they resort to violence and intimidation,” he said.
President William Ruto who spoke in Garissa Thursday said the MPs needed to pass the Bill.
