Netizens protest Finance Bill, arrest of Billy Simani on X space

Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had a heated exchange with the Space moderators after he was pushed to reveal the whereabouts of Billy Simani

At least 45,000 Kenyans went online Saturday to protest the Finance Bill 2024 as objections to the proposed law mounted.

President William Ruto, through his X account, also briefly followed the hot discussion.

A section of government leaders were on the crossfire as Kenyans ran several hours of debate on X Space, sparked by the arrest of Billy Simani, a content creator.

Billy alias Crazy Nairobian was allegedly arrested on Friday and his whereabouts remain unclear.

The conversation dubbed 'Good Morning Kenya: Where is Crazy Nairobian' started as a push for the release of the content creator but also morphed into a forum to dissect and reject the Finance Bill.

At some point, Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had a heated exchange with the Space moderators after he was pushed to reveal the whereabouts of Billy.

Murkomen was confronted by co-host Osama Otero who asked him to clarify Bill's whereabouts after the latter was allegedly arrested.

In his response, he said he was not aware of the Bill's whereabouts.

"No problem if you need my help I am ready... I have heard you and I will pass the message to the relevant authorities," said Murkomen.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura was also put on the spot for failing to protect the interests of persons living with disability.

Several other leaders found themselves between a rock and a hard place as angry Kenyans online told them off against the proposed new taxes in the Finance Bill.

Kenyans who spoke deconstructed the Finance Bill, faulting the government over proposed increase of taxes, highlighting concerns where the increase will hurt them most.

National chair of People With Disability Ambrose Lasoy faulted MPs for supporting punitive taxes.

On the proposed land rate tax, Eric Amunga, better known as Amerix, said it is the most valuable property that Kenyans have as last resort when push comes to shove.

"IMF is working to sell our lands in the next 100 years, if we allow them to lease it, we are doomed," he said.

Edgar Wabwire said they are protesting to protect their children from going through the frustrations occasioned by increase in taxes.

Bevalyne Kwamboka criticised the State over efforts to lobby for job opportunities abroad, saying the government is "selling" them cheaply.

"The government is brokering menial jobs abroad forgetting that most of us are learned. We can't graduate and go do such jobs. You are frustrating us," she said.

Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi revealed insights into the arrest of Billy who he alleged was involved in sending threatening messages to public servants

Yesterday, 25 human rights associations demanded the release of Billy and other content creators who were arrested over the anti-tax protests.