Youth-Led Tech-Fueled Protests Against Finance Bill Initiate Kenya's Digital Transformation
In the heart of June 2024, Kenya witnessed a groundbreaking moment as a nationwide movement, #RejectFinanceBill2024, challenged the government's policies. Born on TikTok, this grassroots movement swiftly spread across social media platforms, mobilising citizens against a proposed tax increase in the Kenya Finance Bill.
The movement, spearheaded by Gen Z, leveraged digital tools alongside traditional protest methods, creating a new model of civic engagement. Nairobi's Central Business District saw an unprecedented gathering of protesters, armed with smartphones and live-streaming capabilities.
Local businesses and religious institutions, such as the Jamia Mosque, opened their doors to shelter protesters, while medical professionals, led by Dr. Austin Omondi and Dr. Salim Ishmael, volunteered their services to treat injured demonstrators.
Authorities, however, faced a challenge in managing the decentralised nature of the movement. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and colored dye to mark protesters for later arrest during the demonstrations. Yet, the protesters' resilience remained unbroken, with some continuing their activism from police custody through social media posts.
Activists crowdsourced a list of MPs' phone numbers and inundated legislators with messages, putting pressure on the government. The government dropped several controversial tax proposals, but protesters demanded the complete rejection of the Finance Bill.
Tragically, the movement resulted in two fatalities, Rex Kanyike Masai, 29, and Evans Kiratu, 21, who became symbols of the movement's cost. In response, the online community rallied to support the victims' families, raising over 2.2 million Kenyan shillings by Sunday morning. New hashtags like #RIPRex and #JusticeForRex were created, echoing the nation's grief.
The events of June 2024 will likely be remembered as a turning point in Kenya's political activism. The movement demonstrates that young Kenyans can effectively mobilise around issues affecting their daily lives. It also marks a significant shift in Kenya's political engagement, with the fusion of digital savvy and street protest creating a new model of civic engagement. This model may shape the future of political discourse and action in Kenya and beyond.
The movement has sent a clear message to current and future leaders about the power of a digitally connected and politically engaged youth. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of a generation ready to shape the course of their country's future.
