Gen-Z-led anti-tax protests rock Ruto's hometown

Police officers kept vigil, trailing the huge crowd in a lorry but did not disperse them.

Business activities however went on without interruption as the country's modern-day protesters marched through Ronald Ngala Street, Nandi Road, Oginga Odinga Street and Uganda Road among other busy streets in Eldoret Central Business District.

One of the protesters lifts an anti-Ruto slogan. [Simion Chepkwony, Standard]

When they spoke amidst the protest in the afternoon, the youth told President William Ruto to immediately announce the withdrawal of Finance Bill 2024 from parliament.

"I am Abel Misoi from Kambi Samaki where President Ruto sold chicken as a hustler. We voted for the President expecting that he would create job opportunities for the youth. Right now, many young Kenyans are leaving Kenya for other countries. You (Ruto) should stop forcing unpopular policies down our throats," one of the protesting Gen-Zs said.

Anti-tax protesters in Nakuru Town on June 20, 2024. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

She said it was painful that the government was allegedly proposing taxes on cancer diagnosis and treatment.

"We were proposed a government that would uplift hustlers. We are wondering whose government is this. The Finance Bill does not represent the interests of Kenyans and public participation is a sham," the university student said.

Joeline Chepchirchir said: "I want President Ruto to reduce taxation to the lowest level. The price of food remains high and life is becoming harder by the day."

Anti-tax protesters in Nakuru Town on June 20, 2024. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

The activist said the punitive taxes in the Finance Bill 2024 were indications that the young Kenyans were revolting against punitive policies.

"The government was not genuine when it dropped some tax proposals. We know that more punitive taxes are still in the bill. Kenyans are no longer foolish," he said.