NAIROBI, Kenya- In a wave of solidarity following Tuesday’s massive protests in Nairobi, residents of Mombasa have taken to the streets to condemn the controversial Financial Bill 2024.
Despite the government’s decision to axe some of the contentious issues, the protestors are demanding for “more substantial changes.”
The protest in Nairobi, which saw youthful men and women bravely confront police and endure manhandling, has sparked a similar outcry in Mombasa.
On Wednesday, the coastal city witnessed a spirited demonstration led by GenZ activists, determined to voice their opposition to the proposed financial reforms.
“Shuka Zakayo…” went the chants. Zakayo is a nickname given to President William Ruto for what they say is his appetite for more taxes- in a struggling economy.
The name was drawn for a Biblical character who was a tax collector.
The President who has owned the name says more taxes are important to take the country out of “the debt hole it is currently in.”
In Mombasa, the streets were filled with vibrant protestors chanting slogans and holding up placards denouncing the Financial Bill 2024.
Despite the ugly scenes of police brutality and the arbitrary arrests of over 200 peaceful protestors in Nairobi, the Mombasa protest still went on.
In Nairobi, videos from the police cells showed the detained protestors singing anti-Government songs and continuing their demonstration.
Notably, the government’s concession to remove some of the most contentious issues from the bill has not quelled the anger and frustration felt by many Kenyans.
Observers say similar protests might be witnessed in other parts of the country.
