David Ndii, President William Ruto’s chief economic advisor, has lashed out at Gen Z protesters who have been rallying against the Finance Bill 2024. In a pointed statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ndii accused the protesting youths of being “clueless cool kids” and suggested that many of them are beneficiaries of the very regimes that financially crippled the country in the past.
The backlash from Ndii comes on the heels of a massive online mobilization, where over 50,000 Kenyans gathered in an X space to voice their discontent with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Among their demands was the release of popular influencer Billy Simani, whose detention has sparked widespread outrage and intensified criticism of the current government.
The Finance Bill 2024 has been a contentious issue, with many Kenyans, particularly the younger generation, expressing concerns over its potential impact on the already struggling economy. Critics argue that the bill, which proposes new taxes and fiscal policies, will disproportionately affect the poor and exacerbate the economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Ndii’s comments have added fuel to the fire, further polarizing the debate. By attributing the protestors’ grievances to their familial ties to past corrupt leaders, Ndii has dismissed their concerns as hypocritical and uninformed. This characterization, however, has not sat well with many, who see it as an attempt to deflect legitimate criticism and stifle dissent.
The growing tension highlights the generational divide in Kenya’s political landscape. Gen Z, a demographic known for its digital savviness and activism, has increasingly become vocal about their dissatisfaction with the status quo. Their use of social media platforms like X to organize and amplify their message underscores a shift in how political engagement and protests are conducted in the digital age.
The government’s response to these protests and the handling of dissenters like Simani will likely have significant implications for its public image and future political stability. As the debate over the Finance Bill 2024 continues, it remains to be seen how the administration will navigate the mounting pressure from a young, restless, and increasingly disillusioned populace.
In the meantime, Ndii’s remarks have undoubtedly sparked further controversy, ensuring that the conversation around the Finance Bill 2024 and the broader economic direction of Kenya will remain a hot topic in both traditional and digital public spheres.
