NAIROBI, Kenya- In a display of solidarity and defiance, nightclubs across Kenya went silent tonight, halting their music as part of a seven-day protest against the controversial Financial Bill 2024.
The vibrant nightlife scene, typically characterized by pulsating beats and joyous revelry, was replaced with the solemn strains of the national anthem and fervent anti-government chants.
“Ruto must go, Ruto must go,” went the chants across Kenya.
As the clock struck midnight, clubs from Nanyuki, Nairobi to Mombasa and Kisumu to Eldoret simultaneously paused their music.
Revelers quickly joined in, their voices rising in unison to chant slogans condemning President William Ruto and the punitive tax bill.
In some venues, DJs played the national anthem on loop, transforming dance floors into arenas of patriotism and protest.
One of the most emotional moments of the night occurred at a popular club in Nairobi’s Westlands.
As the anthem played, the club’s lights dimmed, and a projector displayed images of everyday Kenyans struggling under the weight of economic hardship.
“This is our way of showing the government that we are united in our suffering and our resistance,” said Mwikali Mutiso, a club patron who had gone to enjoy her Saturday night.
“They can’t ignore us when we stand together like this.”
The Financial Bill 2024, which seeks to impose additional taxes amidst an already strained economy, has faced widespread opposition.
Critics argue that the bill unfairly targets the poor and middle class while doing little to curb government spending or address corruption.
The nightclub protest is the latest in a series of actions aimed at pressuring the government to reconsider the bill.
“We are tired of empty promises and rising taxes,” said Kevin Ochieng, a university student at a club in Kisumu.
“Our leaders need to know that we won’t stand by and watch them destroy our future.”
On Sunday, organizers of the 7 days programme urged Kenyans to heckle politicians who will seek to address faithful in churches across Kenya.