The Embassy of Poland in Kenya has announced the closure of its offices amid the planned protests on Tuesday, July 2.
In a statement, the Embassy said its offices will remain closed throughout July 2 as the youth plan to protests against the government and President William Ruto.
The Polish Embassy said the consular section of the offices in Nairobi will remain closed until July 3.
“We kindly inform you that on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Nairobi will be closed due to planned protests. We will resume normal operations on Wednesday, July 3, 2024,” read the statement.
Gen Z Protests
Kenyan youth have taken to the streets throughout the last two weeks to calling for the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 and President William Ruto’s resignation.
The protests forced President Ruto to withdraw the bill in entirety in line with the demands of the people.
Ruto made this announcement on June 26, a day after some of protesters invaded Parliament leaving several dead and others injured.
In a memorandum to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ruto declined to sign the bill and referred the bill back to the National Assembly asking for deletion of all the clauses contained in it.
“Taking into consideration the widespread expression of dissatisfaction by members of the public on the contents of the Finance Bill, 2024,” read the memorandum in parts.
“Now therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred to me by Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution and having reservations on the contents of the Bill in its entirety, I decline to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024, and refer the Bill for reconsideration by the National Assembly with the recommendation for the deletion of all the clauses thereof.”
Also Read: Atheists Issue Fresh Demands for Ruto – GenZ Talks Including Public Holiday
KDF Deployment
The announcement was followed by deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to help the National Police Service (NPS) contain the protesters in Nairobi.
Defense CS Aden Duale later announced that the officers will be deployed to all the 47 counties where critical installations and infrastructure are located.
Duale said the KDF will assist the police preserve life, preserve the internal security of the State, protect property as well as maintain law and order.
Also Read: DCI Gives Update on Investigations into Finance Bill Protests, Issues Plea
Calls for Dialogue
Besides, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the constitution of a National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) to engage with all stakeholders to address the issues raised by the protesting youth.
Among the issues highlighted by Koskei include jobs and other opportunities, the nation’s tax policy, national debt burden, representation and accountability and anti-corruption measures.
President Ruto has also agreed to hold a conversation with the youth on any platform of their choice, including on X Spaces.
Ruto said he will be available for talks if the organizers set up a space on Thursday, July 4 or Friday July 5 to listen to the youth directly or their leaders.
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