Kenya is currently on high alert after the infamous hacktivist group Anonymous issued stern warnings to the government, demanding the right for citizens to protest freely against the controversial #RejectFinanceBill2024. The bill, proposed for the 2024/25 tax year, aims to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to mitigate the country’s budget deficit and reduce state borrowing. This move has sparked widespread protests across the nation.
Anonymous, known for its cyber activism and high-profile cyber-attacks, has sent out warning salvos to the Kenyan government. The group is demanding that the government respect and allow the citizenry to exercise their right to protest against the Finance Bill. In a video released on social media, masked representatives of the group stated, “We stand with the people of Kenya. The right to protest is fundamental, and any attempt to suppress this will be met with our full force.”
The proposed Finance Bill has been met with significant opposition from various sectors of society. Critics argue that the additional taxes will place an undue burden on already struggling citizens and businesses. Nationwide protests have been a common sight, with citizens taking to the streets to voice their dissent. These protests have occasionally turned violent, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
Kenyan businesses and institutions are on tenterhooks, anticipating potential cyber-attacks from Anonymous. The looming threat has caused widespread concern among business leaders, who fear disruptions in their operations. The Kenyan government, while trying to reassure the public and the business community, is also bracing for possible cyber-attacks.