Mixed reactions towards Thursday’s protests
Kenya has been in a state of unrest for the past few days. This period will forever be imprinted in the memory of Kenyans as it is one of a kind.
Since last week, anti-finance bill protests have been happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays, during which youth in the country marched with rage while chanting in unison.
Their voices were heard all over the world and President William Ruto finally addressed the nation, stating that he had bowed down to the request of rejecting the Finance Bill 2024.
“Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation of the Finance Bill 2024 and listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this bill, I concede and therefore I will not sign,” said Ruto.
On the other hand, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressed the nation in a press conference in which he urged Generation Z not to protest on Thursday.
“I want to appeal to generation Z to call off the protests for tomorrow because their cry has been heard by the president. The president has accepted that there was an issue and he has done the right thing,” said Gachagua.
Gachagua added that he made those remarks as a father, who witnessed the damage that came with the protests.
On June 25, chaos escalated as protesters breached the parliament and police officers shot and killed a number of them.
On the night of the same day, Githurai residents were subjected to a night full of gun shot sounds and screams as many watched their loved ones succumb to bullets.
Citizens were not happy with the deaths, with many of them sharing their views on social media platforms such as X, Instagram and Facebook.
The heat witnessed on this day as well as the remarks by leaders of the nation has left many wondering whether the same shall happen on Thursday.
From an X Space held on Wednesday night, some netizens showed signs of withdrawing from today’s protests while others are determined to still show up in the streets.
All in all, pray and watch out for your loved ones today.
By Ann Veronicah
