President William Ruto has withdrawn the controversial Finance Bill 2024, but the leaders are urging the government to engage with the youth and address their concerns. The protesters have expanded their demands beyond just the tax bill, calling for broader financial and political reforms. This highlights the importance of listening to the voices of the youth and involving them in shaping the future of the nation.
The Protestant churches in Kenya have noted the significant role of the youth, who make up 79 percent of the population under 35 years old in the recent protests. These protests are seen as a way to redefine and reshape Kenya’s identity, ethos, and future for the next 50 years. It is crucial for institutions and leaders to prioritize empowering the youth to ensure a dignified life for them.
Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, emphasized the need for institutions to focus more efforts and resources on empowering the youth. He highlighted the importance of listening to the youth and creating platforms for them to actively participate in shaping the nation they want to live in. This underscores the urgency of engaging and involving young people in decision-making processes.
The youth in Kenya organized protests under the banner of ”Seven Days of Rage,” utilizing social media platforms to mobilize and express their discontent. The protests escalated to a total shutdown of the country and even storming of parliament. Unfortunately, the protests resulted in casualties, with at least 22 people dead and over 300 injured. Reports of police using live ammunition on peaceful protesters have raised concerns about human rights violations.
The Council of Churches in Kenya expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives during the demonstrations and extended condolences to the bereaved families. They emphasized the need for quick recovery for the injured and announced plans to establish centers of excellence for youth skills development. The focus is on initiating programs to empower the youth and create opportunities for them to thrive and contribute positively to society.
The Interreligious Council of Kenya called on the government to engage with the citizens rather than resorting to tactics of intimidation. The excessive use of force by the police during the protests has sparked condemnation and raised questions about the respect for constitutional rights. Solidarity was expressed with the youth engaging in peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of respecting the right to protest and engage in civic activities.
The Finance Bill sparked outrage due to proposed tax hikes on essential commodities like bread, cooking oil, diapers, and sanitary pads. While initially defended as necessary for government revenue and debt repayment, President Ruto ultimately withdrew the bill in response to public pressure. Acknowledging the concerns raised by citizens, he opted to prioritize austerity measures to reduce government expenses and address the growing public discontent.
