Over the next week, Kenya’s Generation Z will once again show their resolute resistance to the Finance Bill 2024.
The young people have been active online, creating hashtags such as #OccupyParliament, #OccupyStateHouse, and #JusticeForRex. Now, they have created a new hashtag, #totalshutdown.
According to a widely circulated social media poster, the youngsters plan to begin a seven-day demonstration in remembrance of their fallen colleague and to put pressure on the government to veto the measure, which has now passed the second reading.
The ‘7 Days of Rage’ demonstrations will also force multi-agency bodies to investigate instances of protestor-inflicted police brutality and act as a warning to lawmakers who supported the bill on Thursday against the wishes of their constituents.
“In its totality, we oppose the Finance Bill. The police opened fire in response to our nonviolent demonstrations, leaving two of our members dead, many more severely injured, and one person in critical condition.” A portion of the poster states, “We’re marching on because we refuse to be silenced.”
On Friday, June 21, the youth scheduled a visit to the City Mortuary, Juma prayers at Jamia Mosque, and water for the people leaving after the services.
On Saturday, June 22, the young people sent a unifying appeal to Gen Z hangouts and bars, where music will halt at midnight and everyone will listen to a national crescendo of “Ruto must go and reject the Finance Bill.”
There will be many events on Sunday, June 23, including a celebration of the 204 Members of Parliament who voted in favour of the measure at churches. The Generation Zs want to organise churches to prevent the MPs from speaking to their congregations.
“Endelea hivyo hivyo!” will be the subject of a courtesy visit on Monday at the constituency offices of the Members of Parliament who backed the measure.
Additionally, they will ask the public to boycott any companies associated with these lawmakers. The youth also aim to collect signatures to leave a lasting impact.
The notification states that Tuesday is the second #OccupyParliament demonstration, during which GEN Zs are threatening a “total shutdown” of the nation via a statewide strike.
“All of the hardworking Kenyans are taking a day off from Gen Z. The note said, “Parents, please keep your kids at home in solidarity.”
Generation Z will lead a call to action on Wednesday, seeking justice for Rex’s death, which occurred during Thursday’s rallies in Nairobi. They plan to meet with Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and tour the IPOA headquarters.
The demonstrations will culminate this Thursday of next week. Gen Zs have threatened to block major highways that connect to Nairobi and march to State House with the hashtag #OccupyStateHouse.
On the day President William Ruto is expected to sign the Finance Bill into law, Gen Zs said they would be present to “witness Ruto sign our lives into slavery.”
