The proposed Finance Bill 2024, a piece of legislation that some Kenyans fear will exacerbate the economic hardships already faced rejection from the public.
As the Members of Parliament prepared to cast their votes on this controversial bill, the streets across different major cities were filled with protestors including Nakuru, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisii, Kisumu, Kakamega and Nyeri.
Through the lens of our camera, we delve into the heart of these protests, witnessing the raw emotion, the compelling stories and the unyielding spirit of the Kenyan people.
Finance Bill 2024 Protests
From as early as 10 am on June 20th, Nairobi streets hundreds of protesters had already flocked the streets of Nairobi determined to voice their objection to proposals in the Bill.
Anti-riot police officers were already on the streets of Nairobi to protect citizens and properties.
However, Parliament Road was momentarily turned into a fortress as police erected barricades and stand guard in full riot gear, preventing access and controlling the flow of protestors.
As the situation intensified, police officers resorted to deploying teargas canisters to disperse the crowds. Businesses in some parts of the CBD were brought to a standstill as smoke and sounds of teargas canisters rent the air while protestors scampered for safety to shield their faces from the stinging fumes.
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Amid the commotion, the famous adage “Necessity is the mother of invention” was exemplified as Kenyans resorted to unconventional means to neutralize the effects of the teargas.
At the same time, others were seen helping protestors clean their faces after being teargassed.
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Amid the chaos, a Metro Trans bus was caught up in the barrage. Its windshield was left shattered, a stark testament to the intensity of the clashes unfolding in the streets.
The movement gained momentum as celebrities, including activist Hanifa Farsafi and Rapper Octopizzo also joining the protest. Their presence electrified the crowd, adding a prominent voice to the demands for change.
The confrontation reaches a critical point as police resort to using live bullets. The sound of gunfire pierces the air, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict.
The aftermath of the violence reveals injured protestors, or ‘Custers,’ lying on the ground and receiving aid from fellow demonstrators. The scene is a somber reminder of the high stakes involved.
Two protestors in Nairobi have been rushed to hospital after being shot by a teargas canister. The male victims were protesting along Kenyatta Avenue next to Equity bank when the incident occurred.
At the moment Police commander has asked fellow officer to stop using teargas. They have been ordered to charge and disperse the crowd instead.
As the dust begins to settle, police forces started to retreat, pulling back from their positions.
The streets, though quieter, bear the scars of the day’s turmoil.
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