Kenyan on social media have ignited a fresh call to action against the contentious Finance Bill 2024 in a campaign dubbed “Occupy Parliament”.
In an attempt to persuade Members of Parliament (MPs) vote against the bill, Kenyans will be holding vigil outside the parliamentary building during the voting of the bill.
According to activist Boniface Mwangi, who is leading the action, the move is a protest against the hefty taxes and the burden the bill will subject Kenyans to.
Further, Mwangi has called on all the MPs to show up and vote against the bill, which he has indicated is the voice of the people.
“We pay taxes, and the money is swindled. In the 2024 budget, we did not vote in the First Lady, but she has been allocated Ksh696 million and the wife of the deputy president has been allocated 557 million.
“Our schools do not have teachers and the hospitals do not have doctors. We gave our MPs a job to represent us. Everyone who walks into the parliament building is paid by taxpayers’ money. So, you cannot tell us that you will not vote,” he said.
Mwangi Gitau, a user on X who has vowed to show up for the protest, stated that participants will wait for the MPs until they vote and as they step outside, they will be questioned over their decision.
According to Gitau, it is time for the MPs to declare whether they work for the people or not.
Also Read: Kenyans Spam MPs Mobile Numbers to Reject Finance Bill 2024
Details of the Parliament Protest
The protest is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 18, beginning 12:00 pm until the voting ends.
It is anticipated to draw Kenyans from different walks of life who care about over taxation in the country.
At the same time, participants have been asked to carry placards, a handkerchief and a bottle of water. The dress code for the vigil is black.
Mwangi said that the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome had been duly informed of the protest and was expected to provide ample security for the protestors as mandated by the constitution of Kenya.
The campaign is set to be amplified on different online platforms through the hashtags #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament
Also Read: Comedian Eric Omondi Arrested Protesting Outside Parliament
Azimio Declares Stand on Finance Bill
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, June 14, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced that the Azimio la Umoja coalition had suspended all foreign trips by its lawmakers ahead of debate and voting on the contentious Finance Bill, 2024 in Parliament.
The Wiper Party Leader also urged Kenyans in the diaspora to join in condemning the recent budget allocations explaining that the 2024 budget did not prioritize the needs of Kenyans.
“We urge the international community, civil society organizations and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with Kenyans in condemning the Kenya Kwanza regime’s blatant disregard for the public good,” said Kalonzo.
Earlier, unidentified individuals compiled a list of personal mobile numbers of several Members of Parliament (MPs) and shared them with the public in a push to reject the Finance Bill 2024.
Frustrated Kenyans sent messages to the MPs and called them throughout Wednesday, June 12 night, saying that they fear the Bill will be passed unanimously in parliament.
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