By Peter Ochieng
Thousands of Kenyans are expected to convene in Nairobi on Tuesday, for the ‘Occupy Parliament’ demos which have been organized against the Finance Bill, 2024.
The Bill, which proposes an increase in tax on various commodities among them bread has been termed as punitive by Kenyans from various walks of life.
The protests will coincide with debate on the Bill in the National Assembly, with a sit down outside the August House being some of the measures expected tomorrow, to ‘persuade’ Members of Parliament (MPs) not to pass the Bill.
According to Bonface Mwangi, one of the organizers, they delivered protest notification letters to the police on Saturday, 15th June, 2024.
“Kenyans are coming from every part of this country, and we are all marching to Parliament,” he said in a post on X.
It is not clear whether Eric Omondi, comedian turned activist who has been vocal against the Bill will join in the demos. Omondi is mourning his young brother Fred Omondi, who died on Saturday, after being involved in a road accident in Nairobi.
Mwangi said protestors will meet at various places in the City, before marching to Parliament.
The meeting points are; Ambassadeur/Archives, Nation Centre, Supreme Court, Skate Park, Taifa Road and Kencom Stage – City Hall Way.
“Wear black, carry a whistle/vuvuzela, a placard with a message to your MP, and carry drinking water. Police commanders met this morning, and promised to respect our right to protest, and will be there to keep the peace, and escort us,” said the photo journalist turned activist.
“We are showing up tomorrow at #OccupyParliament no matter what. It’s also important to note that there is no leader for #RejectFinancialBill2024; It’s a movement of the people against over-taxation,” he added.
The demonstrators are expected to start meeting at 11:00am, before using Harambee Avenue as the main avenue to Parliament.
Harambee Avenue hosts President William Ruto’s offices, amongst other key government installations.