The recent passage of the finance bill in Kenya has been a deeply controversial and tragic affair, raising critical questions about governance, public participation, and the value of human life in the face of political decisions. Were unrest and death necessary catalysts for the government’s eventual decision to withdraw the finance bill?”
Public participation: JUST A FORMALITY
Public participation is a cornerstone of democratic governance, enshrined in our constitution. It ensures that citizens have a voice in the legislative process, particularly in matters that directly impact their lives. In the case of the finance bill, public participation was one of the critical stages before its presentation to parliament. However, despite significant public opposition, the government representatives appeared to dismiss these concerns, with some exhibiting arrogance rather than empathy. The dismissive attitude of government representatives during the public participation phase suggests that this process may have been treated more as a formality than a genuine attempt to engage with the populace. The public’s distrust in their representatives grew, leading to the decision to protest outside parliament on June 26th, hoping to prevent the bill’s passage.
As frustration mounted, the protests turned violent. Demonstrators breached parliament, and tragically, some lost their lives. Others were abducted or arrested in the chaos. It was only after these deaths that the President decided to withdraw the bill. This sequence of events raises a profoundly disturbing question: Did people have to die for the government to reconsider its stance?
What was so important in the finance bill that it warranted such a heavy toll on human life? The bill included measures like new taxes, increased VAT, higher fuel taxes, and taxes on digital transactions—policies that many believed would exacerbate the financial burden on already struggling citizens. While the government might have argued these measures were necessary for economic stability and development, the public saw them as unjust and harmful The deaths during the protests highlight a severe disconnect between the government and its people. The tragedy suggests that the government might have underestimated the public’s grievances or chose to ignore them entirely. This raises further questions about whether the government truly understands the needs and desires of its citizens, or if it prioritizes its agenda over the well-being of the people it serves.
Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, meaning that power belongs to the people. However, in Kenya, there has been a concerning shift where the government is making decisions and implementing policies without the consent of its citizens. The voices of Kenyans are being ignored, and their needs and wants are being disregarded. Despite widespread opposition, the government continues to push through measures that many believe will exacerbate their economic hardships. This disregard for public opinion has left many feeling unheard and marginalized, prompting protests and civil unrest as citizens strive to reclaim their right to be heard and have their concerns addressed.
Who Do the MPs Serve?
Today, citizens of Kenya will again be in major towns to protest under the banners #OccupyParliament and #RejectNotAmend. This follows a series of events that have left many Kenyans feeling unheard and disregarded by their elected representatives. Despite widespread opposition, the controversial financial bill was tabled for its first reading and passed, prompting a crucial question: Who do MPs represent if not their people? Many Kenyans view the proposed measures as punitive, fearing they will exacerbate the economic hardships already imposed by the 2023 financial budget. Despite citizens reaching out to MPs through texts, calls, and protests, their cries went unheeded, leading to the bill’s advancement without substantial amendments. As frustrations mount, public protests continue in major towns like Nairobi and Mombasa, reflecting a nation at odds with its legislative body. Some MPs themselves argue that they owe their positions more to their political parties and leaders than to their constituents, raising a fundamental question: Do Kenyans elect people or political parties?
Where Is the Money?
Kenyans are increasingly asking, “Where is the money?” They argue that despite paying taxes, they see no major developments in their country. Many are comparing the current government with previous regimes, noting that the latter had achieved significant progress within two years. In contrast, the current regime, now in power for the same duration, has failed to showcase any substantial developments. This lack of visible progress is fueling public frustration and leading many to question the effective use of public funds. Kenyans are asking, “If we can’t see what you’ve done with what you’ve collected, why should we pay more taxes?”
Is Kenya’s Debt a Threat?
Politicians affiliated with the government usually say that a significant portion of the money collected is going towards debt repayment. Are those just gimmicks and rhetoric? Rumors abound regarding Kenya’s financial state, and questions arise about whether the President follows through on his fiscal promises. Reports suggest State House plans to spend 1 billion on furniture, and concerns linger about the inadequate answers regarding the alleged 200 million private jet to the U.S. Why does a country in debt allocate funds for the President and Deputy President’s spouses? Furthermore, why do government-affiliated politicians live luxuriously with choppers, expensive clothing, and watches? And where do the millions for weekend harambees come from? Was this extravagance part of their freedom struggle, or is it a newfound entitlement?
These questions underline growing skepticism and discontent among the populace towards the use and allocation of public resources. Transparency and accountability remain elusive, further straining public trust.
Arrogance or Incompetence?
Adding to the public’s frustration is the perceived arrogance of the current leadership. When government officials are questioned by the public, their responses have often been dismissive or even insulting. For example, when the government spokesman was asked about the amount of money used for the President’s trip to the U.S., he hurled insults at the press. Similarly, when confronted about the finance bill’s potential to drive manufacturers out of Kenya, one official nonchalantly responded that they could leave and export their products to Kenya duty-free. Such attitudes from leaders are exacerbating the public’s discontent and fueling the protests, as many feel that their legitimate concerns are being met with arrogance and disrespect. As Isaac Asimov said, “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent,” prompting reflection on whether such responses are indicative of arrogance, incompetence, or both in governance.
Who Is Drafting This Finance Act?
Another pressing question amidst Kenya’s current turmoil is: who is drafting this finance act? Many clauses within the bill are baffling to those involved in its drafting, leaving them unable to explain their implications. Speculations abound whether the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank is influencing the legislation, given their involvement in Kenya’s economic policies. This lack of clarity and understanding among the public and even those drafting the bill raises concerns about transparency and accountability in governance. As protests swell and dissatisfaction grows, the demand for clarity on the origins and implications of these legislative measures becomes ever more urgent.
Does Becoming a Politician Make You More Knowledgeable?
The actions and decisions of Kenya’s political leaders pose a crucial question: Does becoming a politician make you more knowledgeable than other people? The disregard for knowledgeable individuals in the policy-making process suggests that expertise is not being sufficiently valued. Effective governance requires leaders to listen to experts, engage with the public, and make informed decisions. When politicians prioritize party loyalty or personal gain over the input of knowledgeable professionals, it undermines the quality of governance and erodes public trust. The current situation in Kenya highlights the need for leaders who are not only informed but also humble and responsive to the needs of their constituents.
Kenyans are not against taxation; what they want is to know how their money is being used. Leaders should understand that they are not the bosses of Kenyans but their servants. Kenyans are against the wastage they see from their politicians. They don’t want the country to fail; they want it to prosper. Moving to the streets is a sign that politicians have failed to understand their language. Kenyans are peaceful and desire transparency, accountability, and responsible governance to ensure their nation’s growth and success.
In 2023, the Kenyan government’s introduction of additional taxes, including a controversial housing levy initially set at 3% but later reduced to 1.5%, sparked widespread discontent among the populace. Many Kenyans perceived these measures as oppressive, arguing that they should have been voluntary. By 2024, frustrations reached a boiling point with the proposal of new taxes, such as a 16% VAT on bread and additional taxes on motor vehicles and vegetable oil. These fiscal policies, coupled with the perceived misuse of funds by government officials and their lavish lifestyles, intensified public anger. Kenyans began to doubt the necessity of these taxes, suspecting that they were primarily to repay debts to the IMF and World Bank, raising concerns about national sovereignty and the influence of international bodies on domestic financial policies.
President William Ruto’s foreign alliances, including siding with the U.S. against Russia, controversial deployments to Haiti, and unwavering support for Israel in regional conflicts, further deepened public disillusionment. Social media-driven protests (#OccupyParliament, #RejectFinanceBill) and SMS campaigns urging MPs to oppose punitive bills reflected widespread discontent, despite police efforts to suppress demonstrations. These events, unfolding in 2024, prompt a crucial question: Are the ongoing protests in Kenya the onset of a genuine revolution, or merely a spectacle of political theater?
Examining major revolutions from history can provide insight into whether Kenya’s current situation might lead to significant political transformation or fade as a momentary upheaval. The French Revolution began due to severe social inequality, exacerbated by a financial crisis stemming from costly wars and poor governance. Enlightenment ideas challenging absolute monarchy and aristocratic privilege fueled demands for reform. The weak leadership of King Louis XVI and the exclusion of the Third Estate from political representation further fueled discontent. The convocation of the Estates-General and subsequent formation of the National Assembly marked the revolution’s onset, with events like the storming of the Bastille symbolizing the people’s desire to dismantle the old regime and establish a new order based on equality and popular sovereignty.
The American Revolution was driven by grievances against British rule, including taxation without representation and the desire for greater autonomy. Tensions escalated with events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, leading to armed conflict at Lexington and Concord and a formal declaration of independence in 1776. The revolution culminated in the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally recognizing the United States as an independent nation and establishing a democratic foundation that influenced constitutional governance worldwide.
The Arab Spring was a series of pro-democracy uprisings and protests that swept through several Arab countries. Sparked by social, economic, and political grievances, including authoritarian rule, corruption, high unemployment, and lack of political freedoms, the protests were largely driven by young people using social media to mobilize. The movement led to the overthrow of long-standing dictators in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, while sparking significant unrest and reforms in other countries. Despite initial hopes for democratic transitions, the outcomes varied, with some countries experiencing civil war, increased instability, or a return to authoritarianism.
In modern times, social media has revolutionized the dynamics of protest and revolution. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram enable rapid communication and coordination among activists, transcending geographical boundaries and censorship barriers. They facilitate the rapid spread of messages, images, and videos that galvanize public opinion, expose government repression, and mobilize mass participation in protests. Social media also amplifies voices traditionally marginalized by mainstream media, providing a platform for grassroots movements and enabling real-time updates that shape global perceptions and solidarity. However, it also poses challenges, such as misinformation and government surveillance, highlighting both its empowering and contentious role in modern revolutionary movements.
Despite minor concessions such as the removal of taxes on bread and vegetable oil, public trust in the Kenyan government has sharply declined. Kenyans view these gestures as insufficient and insincere, intensifying their calls for greater accountability and transparency. As protests persist and demands for change grow louder, the true nature of these events—whether they signify a genuine revolution or a spectacle of political theater—remains to be fully understood. The coming days will reveal whether Kenya stands on the brink of transformative reform or continues to navigate a precarious path of discontent and incremental adjustments.
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