By Peter Ochieng
Plaudits are trickling in on social media for Kenya’s young people, born in, or after the year 2000, known as Gen-Z and millennials for turning out in large numbers on Tuesday, during demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.
Young Kenyans, mobilised on social media platforms such as facebook, X and TikTok brought normal operations in Nairobi to a near standstill, with their conduct during the peaceful demos being a deviation from the violence which characterised past protests.
Lawyer Joshua Miguna Miguna is among figureheads who have applauded the young people for coming out to remind the government ‘who is the boss.’
“Congratulations and Bravo to the Kenyan Gen-Z and Millennials for reclaiming our country and showing the looting, cruel and reckless power barons that real power belongs to the people,” said the vocal lawyer.
“Keep using the social media robustly. Do not retreat. Keep pushing and resisting until the final victory. REJECTFINANCEBILL2024,” he urged.
The demos went on as planned, despite the governmentt removing proposed taxation on bread and motor vehicles, among others.
“I have never covered news of a proffessional protest like #REJECTFINANCEBILL2024. Gen Z hats off! No looting, no stones only queens language, facts and maths! Police did not have to use teargas this time,” wrote Citizen TV reporter Stephen Letoo.
“Gen-Z you rock!” added former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner, Dr Roselyn Akombe.
Tuesday peaceful demos however turned sour when several protestors and journalists were clobbered by police officers, who used brutal force.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) in a strong worded statement lashed out at the police following incidents of harassment and arrest of journalists, who were covering the protests.
MCK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo termed the attacks by armed police officers as unwarranted.
He identified at least five journalists who were unjustifiably attacked and arrested, while in the line of duty.
“Among those who were targeted included Joe Muhia and Iddi Ali Juma of AP who were arrested and later released after being assaulted. In an incident captured on video, Standard Group video editor Justice Mwangi Macharia was arrested and violently hauled out of a moving police motor.”
He said the unfortunate events remind Kenyans that members of the National Police Service remain the weak link in Kenya’s quest for freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
Kenyans have vowed to carry on with the demos, until the Bill is completely withdrawn.
Kenyans in Mombasa took to the streets on Wednesday, in a replica of what happened in Nairobi on Tuesday.