Kenya witnessed a significant day of mobilization against the 2024 Finance Bill, which was being debated in its third reading in the Senate. Tens of thousands of Kenyans took to the streets in major cities, with Nairobi seeing a massive convergence in the city center.
Tensions in Nairobi escalated throughout the day. Protesters managed to enter the Parliament building just after deputies had voted in favor of the Finance Bill. They broke through police barricades, some hurling stones. In response, the police fired live rounds in an attempt to contain the crowd.
Human rights organizations have reported at least one death, although social media footage suggests there may be more casualties. It is still too early to determine an accurate count. The police have reclaimed the Parliament grounds, with television footage showing ransacked rooms and overturned furniture. Additionally, a fire was reported in the offices of the Nairobi governor, located near the Parliament.
Despite the use of tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, tens of thousands remained in Nairobi’s city center. Many protesters expressed shock at the violent police response. As the day wore on, small groups began dispersing from the area.
The protest was initially sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill, which calls for significant revenue increases. However, the demonstration quickly expanded into a broader call for the resignation of President William Ruto, with chants of “Ruto must go” echoing through the streets. Protesters voiced their frustration with the high cost of living, unemployment, and the lack of public services.
Gaëlle Laleix, another correspondent, reported from the scene, highlighting individual stories such as that of John, a young protester in his twenties. Draped in a Kenyan flag and holding a sign rejecting the Finance Bill, John explained, “The government aims to collect 300 billion shillings [approximately 2.1 billion euros] more than the previous fiscal year. This is too harsh for Kenyans. Our economy is struggling, and the MPs we elected refuse to listen to us. So, we are here to represent ourselves.”