Nyahururu, Kenya – Protesters challenged President William Ruto during his visit to a church event in Nyahururu. This marked the first time President Ruto directly addressed the growing wave of protests against his administration.
The protesters, predominantly from Generation Z, gathered outside the church after being denied entry, chanting slogans and singing songs in opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Their chants echoed through the vicinity, reflecting the mounting dissatisfaction among Kenya’s youth with the current administration’s policies.
The recent demonstrations have highlighted a surge in political activism among Kenya’s younger generation. Generation Z, characterized by their tech-savviness and social media engagement, has emerged as a vocal critic of the Finance Bill 2024, which they argue imposes unfair economic burdens.
“The youth are the future of this country, and their voices must be heard,” President Ruto acknowledged during his speech. He emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue with the younger demographic to address their concerns. “I am committed to having a conversation with members of Generation Z to understand their grievances and find a way forward together.”
The Finance Bill 2024 has been a contentious issue since its introduction, with critics arguing that it disproportionately affects the lower and middle-income classes. Key provisions of the bill include increased taxes on essential goods and services, which have sparked widespread public outcry.
Many young Kenyans, facing high unemployment rates and economic instability, feel particularly marginalized by the new fiscal policies. The protests in Nyahururu are just one instance of the nationwide backlash, signaling a broader movement among the youth to demand more equitable economic reforms.
