KBC Channel 1

Tag: Anti-Finance Bill protests

  • Western envoys condemn violence, urge restraint ahead of Wednesday’s protests

    Western envoys condemn violence, urge restraint ahead of Wednesday’s protests

    The international community has urged the Kenyan government to facilitate peaceful demonstrations planned for Wednesday, June 25, in memory of those who died during the 2024 Gen Z-led protests.

    In a joint statement, ambassadors and high commissioners from Australia, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland, and Finland condemned the use of violence,  emphasising that every Kenyan has the right to peaceful assembly.

    They also renewed their call for swift, transparent, and independent investigations into allegations of police brutality, warning that the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust.

    “June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill. We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves. The use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling”.

    The envoys also expressed concern about the infiltration of the protests by criminal elements

    “We are troubled by the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy”.

    They called for transparency and accountability in public institutions.

    “Transparency and accountability are critical – not only for justice, but for restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens”, they said.

    A section of opposition leaders has announced that they will join the nationwide demos.

  • “I’ve never sponsored violence”, says Sakaja as he blames political enemies

    “I’ve never sponsored violence”, says Sakaja as he blames political enemies

    Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has blamed his political rivals for dragging his name into the chaos that rocked Nairobi CBD during last Tuesday’s protests over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. 

    In a video statement Sunday, Sakaja denounced as “false, malicious and politically motivated” the accusations that he hired goons to attack protesters and cause mayhem in the capital

    “Of the past few days, I have observed with deep concern the circulation of false, malicious and politically motivated allegations against me.  For the record, I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind. My entire political life has been anchored on siasa safi”, he said.

    He claimed he knows the individuals behind the gangs that infiltrated the protests to allegedly taint his name.

    “My record speaks for itself,  these accusations are not only false but are a desperate attempt by sudden, well-known individuals, whose political careers are marked by violence, intimidation, chaos who have gone as far as to hire goons to infiltrate the protests to taint my name and win political mileage” he stated.

    He accused them of cheapening the cause of the young people by supplying them with county paraphernalia to create the false impression they were acting on behalf of the Nairobi County Government.

    “Nothing is further from the truth. I urge you, Nairobians, not to be deceived. Let us not allow rogue politicians to hijack serious matters for selfish gain.” He warned.

    More protests are planned to condemn police brutality and, on Wednesday, June 25,  commemorate those who died during the June 2024 demonstrations.

     

  • Ruto questions Ford Foundation alleged role in recent protests

    Ruto questions Ford Foundation alleged role in recent protests

    President William Ruto has accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring the recent anti-government protests in Kenya.

    Speaking on Monday, the President took to task the American foundation for its alleged role in destabilizing the country, following countrywide protests against the Finance Bill 2024 which has since been dropped.

    President William Ruto who put on notice organisations that are sponsoring violence in the country has vowed to call out all those who are bent on rolling back Kenya’s hard-won democracy, while at the same urging the young people to shun those using them for their selfish interests.

    He said Kenya is a democratic country that is governed by rule of law, and asked the Ford Foundation what it was out to gain by sponsoring violence, mayhem and chaos.

    He asked the Ford Foundation to explain to Kenyans its role in the recent protests that rocked some parts of the country.

    Speaking in Nakuru County during an inspection tour of development projects on Monday, President Ruto warned that those sponsoring violence and anarchy in Kenya will not be tolerated.

    The President made it clear that Kenyan youth was not available for retrogressive assignments, saying investigations have been launched into the activities of some organisations working in the country.

    “The Ford Foundation must explain its role in the recent protests,” he said.

    Saying the government was aware of those behind anarchy in Kenya, President Ruto said they should be ashamed for sponsoring the youth to cause chaos and violence to achieve their selfish ends.

    “We will call out those bent on rolling back our hard-won democracy. We want to tell them that our young people are not ready for anarchy and chaos. Kenyans want peace,” the President said.

    He warned: “We will deal firmly with foundations and organisations fuelling anarchy.”

    He said Kenyans elect their leaders every five years democratically and no one should dictate to them on the nature of their leaders because the country is guided by the rule of law,” the President pointed out.

    He said organisations whose only interest is to sabotage our democracy should style up or leave the country.

    President Ruto cautioned the youth not to be incited to acts of violence individuals who do not wish Kenya well.

    “Don’t be misused to engage in chaos. Those who bring money to incite the youth to engage in violence will not go unpunished,” he said.

    He added: “As your President, I will make sure that those who want to cause chaos will face the full force of the law.”

    President Ruto, at the same time, assured Kenyans that he was ready to consult leaders from diverse political backgrounds ready to work with him in sorting out problems facing the country.

    He said the challenges facing the country, including the debt burden incurred during the previous administration and fighting corruption, required collective responsibility from all leaders.

    “I am ready, willing and available to consult with leaders who are ready to work with us in exploring ways of addressing the challenges facing our country,” said President Ruto.

    On development, President Ruto told the residents of Nakuru that KSh2 billion has been set aside for the last mile electricity connectivity programme in which 30,000 households will benefit.

    The President said the government has lifted the caveat placed on settlement schemes in Nakuru County of up to 20,000 acres.

    He regretted that a case before the Africa court in Arusha has become a stumbling block to resolving the matter.

    He said he had asked for the withdrawal of the case to pave the way for the resolution of issue.

    Meanwhile, President Ruto assured coffee, tea, pyrethrum, maize, potato and dairy farmers that the government has transformed the sectors.

    He said the construction of 20 modern fresh produce markets in Nakuru County will provide safe and decent trading areas for Mama Mboga pledged in the Kenya Kwanza Plan.

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said President Ruto was committed to uniting the country.

    He said the move by the President to dismiss the Cabinet to pave way for a broad based-government was part of his efforts to unite the country.

    Mr Gachagua thanked the people of Nakuru, a cosmopolitan county, for embracing peace.

    “I thank the people of Nakuru for voting for Kenya Kwanza in the last General Election despite some selfish leaders spearheading the politics of tribalism,” the DP said.

    During his tour of the county, President Ruto inspected the Nakuru Multi-Purpose Market that will serve more than 2,000 traders in the county. The project will employ over 500 people.

    Earlier in Nakuru East Constituency, he launched the construction of the Nakuru Bus Park that will accommodate 5,000 matatus.

    President Ruto also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Keringet fresh produce market in Kuresoi South Constituency and also opened the Njoro Technical Training Institute in Njoro Constituency.

    Governor Susan Kihika, MPs and MCAs were present at the functions.

    Additional reporting by PCS

     

     

  • Safaricom to support Kenyans affected by protests

    Safaricom to support Kenyans affected by protests

    Safaricom has announced a comprehensive response plan to aid Kenyans affected by the ongoing situation in the country, commencing with immediate after-care for patients, and infrastructure development support to hospitals.

    Speaking at Kenyatta National Hospital, where Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations made a Ksh 15 million donation, Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, said “Our Foundations are there to stand with people, especially in times of need. We are happy to provide hospitals with structured support in times of emergencies, both for infrastructure improvement and patient recovery.’’

    As part of the donation, Ksh 10 million will go to the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre, while Ksh 5 million will go towards supporting those injured and admitted at the hospital.

    The Ksh 5 million will be for provision of assistive devices to the injured, smartphones and airtime for those who lost their phones, supporting affected individuals with three months’ worth of food as well as one year worth of rent for those in extreme condition. Safaricom has also allocated Ksh 12.5 million for similar efforts across the country.

    “We are happy to partner with Safaricom and continue to have a positive impact to Kenyans seeking medical assistance at this time of need,” said Dr. Evanson Kamuri, CEO Kenyatta Hospital.

    To provide further immediate support, Safaricom, through its M-Pesa Foundation, is organizing medical camps in affected areas, starting with Githurai on 6th July 2024, followed by Rongai at a later date.

    In the medium-term, Safaricom will also mobilize its Gen Z employees as well as other like-minded corporates and foundations, under the #GenZforGenZ initiative, which will entail volunteer squads leading community outreaches, clean-ups, and medical camps.

    The long-term plan will entail a comprehensive execution of community programs through M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, with an increased focus on Gen Z.

    This includes providing TVET scholarships, economic empowerment through the Ndoto Zetu program, agri-business value chain opportunities through the Wezesha Agri Program, and offering access to business training and micro loans in 13 counties, starting with Nakuru, Nairobi, Kajiado, and Migori. The plan will also include supporting mental health through strategic partnerships and provision of complimentary counselling services.

    Safaricom remains dedicated to uplifting our communities and ensuring the well-being of all Kenyans, especially the youth who are our future.

  • Hired thugs infiltrated Tuesday demos, Governor Wavinya says

    Hired thugs infiltrated Tuesday demos, Governor Wavinya says

    Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti now says a swarm of hired goons last week infiltrated anti-Finance Bill demonstrators and engaged in wanton looting and destruction of property.

    Speaking in Mavoko after witnessing the swearing in of three Chief Officers into her Government, the County boss urged the police to hunt down the criminals and ensure they are brought to book.

    “The criminals who infiltrated the demos by our young people who were protesting peacefully and destroyed property must be dealt with. The damage caused will attract another expenditure towards repairs at the cost of new development programs,” the Governor lamented.

    In Tuesday last week’s demos, a section of protesters stormed the county headquarters and torched two cars after vandalizing several vehicles and stealing property of unknown value.

    A similar raid was made in the County Assembly where the crooks set ablaze the visitors’ waiting bay before smashing numerous cars and looting personal belongings.

    Wavinya urged the youths to identify and expose any criminal elements disguising as protesters. “We cannot allow people to destroy our property. If you spot them, point them out,” she said.

    At the same time, Wavinya pointed out it was critical to ensure the youth are absorbed into available opportunities in nation-building.

    “Anything we do we must ensure it is geared towards the interest of the majority who are the young people. If there are any opportunities, let us ensure we carry the young people along with us,” she said.

    The new chief officers that took the oath of office include Joyce Gituro (Public Communications and E-Government), Francis Munyambu (Inspectorate and Emergency Services) and Juliana Ndunge (Sewerage, Sanitation and Waste Management).

  • Mbarire blames political rivals for destruction of Embu County offices

    Mbarire blames political rivals for destruction of Embu County offices

    Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has accused her political adversaries of orchestrating the destruction of county offices during anti-finance bill protests.

    Speaking after touring the County Headquarters office block, which was set on fire during protests earlier in the week, Mbarire claimed that the perpetrators were paid Ksh350,000 to carry out the attacks to undermine her administration.

    She described the destruction as a well-planned act of arson executed by hired goons who infiltrated an otherwise peaceful protest by Gen Zs.

    Governor Mbarire stated that they are collaborating with investigative agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.

    “It is reckless to destroy government property to sabotage service delivery to the people just because of political selfishness,” she stated.

    “Leave the property and the people of Embu alone and come for me. Deal with me. If you want me to die, kill me, instead of destroying the property and the things people depend on,” she added.

    The Governor noted that an assessment of the actual damage is ongoing saying the losses are estimated to be in hundreds of millions.

    The Embu County office block, along with the UDA and KRA offices, was set on fire during the protests that occurred on Tuesday.

  • UN chief urges Kenyan authorities to pave way for peaceful demos

    UN chief urges Kenyan authorities to pave way for peaceful demos

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is saddened by reports of deaths and injuries that occurred during Tuesday’s anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.

    The UN boss’s statement follows Tuesday’s protests witnessed in various parts of the country where scores were killed and injured.

    Guterres appealed to the Kenyan government to exercise restraint when dealing with protesters.

    “He is saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries, including of journalists and medical personnel. The Secretary-General is also concerned at reported cases of targeted arbitrary detentions”, said the UN boss through the Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

    Several bodies were spotted on the streets and outside parliament where police had opened fire while medical workers reported five people killed.

    The youths forcefully stormed Parliament and tried to set it ablaze. The nationwide demos also witnessed the destruction of government property, events that the President termed treasonous.

    “He underscores the need to uphold the right to demonstrate peacefully. The Secretary-General urges the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and calls for all demonstrations to take place peacefully. The Secretary-General conveys his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes those injured a speedy recovery” stated Dujarric.

    The protesters, dubbed Gen Z, mainly youths, stormed the streets to demand the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024, in countrywide demos. Gunshots, tears and running battles marked the demos even as the MPs voted to amend various clauses fronted by the National Assembly’s Finance Committee.

    The MPs eventually passed the Bill. Transport was paralysed and business premises closed hurriedly as gunshots and tear gas rent the air in major towns across the country.

    He further conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families even as the number of deaths remains unknown.

    Several bodies were spotted on the streets and outside parliament where police had opened fire while medical workers reported five people killed.

    The youths forcefully stormed Parliament and tried to set it ablaze. The nationwide demos also witnessed the destruction of key government offices, events that the President termed treasonous.

    “He underscores the need to uphold the right to demonstrate peacefully. The Secretary-General urges the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and calls for all demonstrations to take place peacefully. The Secretary-General conveys his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes those injured a speedy recovery” stated

    The military has been deployed to support police provide security and restore order.

    Protesters had demanded that legislators vote against a finance bill imposing new taxes

    The protesters, dubbed Gen Z, mainly youths, stormed the streets to demand the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024, in countrywide demos.

    Gunshots, tears and running battles marked the demos even as the MPs voted to amend various clauses fronted by the National Assembly’s Finance Committee. The MPs eventually passed the Bill.

    Transport was paralysed and business premises closed hurriedly as gunshots and tear gas rent the air in major towns across the country.

     

  • Ruto says today’s events were treasonous, vows to restore normalcy

    Ruto says today’s events were treasonous, vows to restore normalcy

    President William Ruto has condemned the violence witnessed during today’s anti-finance bill protests.

    In a state address from State House, the President described the day’s events as an “unprecedented attack on Kenya’s democracy, rule of law, and the integrity of its constitutional institutions.”

    “Today’s attack on Kenya’s constitutional order has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and desecration of institutions and emblems of our sovereignty,” President Ruto stated.

    The head of state assured Kenyans that the government has mobilized all available resources to prevent a recurrence of such violence.

    He commended security officers for their efforts in defending the country and directed all national security organs to implement measures to thwart any attempts to undermine security and stability.

    “As the people of Kenya go to bed tonight, I give you my assurance that your security, that of your families and property, remains my utmost priority,” assured President Ruto.

    The President warned individuals responsible for the violence that the government would take decisive action against them.

    “I put on notice the planners, financiers, orchestrators, and arbiters of violence and anarchy that the security infrastructure established to protect our republic and its sovereignty will be deployed to secure the country and restore normalcy,” he said.

    While lauding the youth for expressing for their role in organizing a democratic discourse around critical national issues, Ruto stressed the need to distinguish between criminals and peaceful protestors.

    “We must isolate crime from democratic expression and separate criminals from people exercising the freedom of expression and divergent opinion. I shall continue a government that is fully committed to maintaining the integrity of our state, promoting the unity of our nation and enhancing the peace and security of all citizens and their livelihoods,” he stated

  • Nationwide anti-finance bill protests kick off

    Nationwide anti-finance bill protests kick off

    Thousands of protestors Tuesday turned up in large numbers to protest against the Finance Bill, 2024.

    In Nairobi, security was beefed up as youths led #TotalShutdown demos in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

    The government has allowed the countrywide demos with the hashtag led largely by Gen-Z but with conditions.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki who has warned against lawlessness has instructed the protestors to remain peaceful, and unarmed and must finish their activities by 6.30 pm or by dusk.

    Kindiki said it is the constitutional right of every person, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to authorities.

    Large crowds have also assembled in various towns amid uproar after some protestors went missing.

    Lawyers have raised concerns over what they term arbitrary arrests and intimidation of perceived leaders, mobilizers and facilitators of the protests.

    The Law Society of Kenya in a statement expressed concerns over the whereabouts said it had received reports of the abduction of Dr. Salim Ishmael and that of Mr. Shadrack Kiprono alias Shad Khalif.

    Vocal social media and political activist Gabriel Oguda and Osama Otero who has been holding popular X Spaces are also missing sparking an online campaign to push for their release.

    “We have made rounds around various police stations to establish where Dr. Austin, Dr. Salim and Shad Khalif are being held, but no clear disclosure has been forthcoming. Accordingly, we consider their abductors criminals” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.

    She called on the police to launch investigations to unravel the truth and also identify those behind the alleged kidnappings.

    “We call on all members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information or tip offs on the possible whereabouts of Dr. Austin, Dr. Salim and Shad Khalif or the identity of their abductors. We demand that the police and all investigative agencies treat this matter delicately and with expediency to unearth the truth on what happened to Dr. Austin, Dr. Salim and Shad Khalif, the identity of those holding them and where they are being held” she appealed.

    Third reading

    Meanwhile, Focus shifts to the national assembly as Members of Parliament conclude on the controversial Finance Bill, which enters its Third Reading.

    According to the Finance and Planning Committee, chairperson Kimani Kuria over 50 MPs have prepared amendments to various clauses, which will be debated and voted on.

    Azimio One Kenya Coalition has directed its members of the National Assembly to withdraw amendments to the Finance Bill and instead reject it in totality.

    Thursday will mark the climax of the protests where Gen Zs have warned that they will block main roads leading to Nairobi.

  • Ruto appeals to MPs to pass Finance Bill to secure jobs for interns

    Ruto appeals to MPs to pass Finance Bill to secure jobs for interns

    President William Ruto has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Finance Bill 2024.

    Speaking Thursday during the Garissa University graduation ceremony, the President said passage of the bill would secure jobs for JSS intern teachers and doctors.

    He regretted that the employment of teachers on permanent and pensionable terms and the hiring of an additional 20,000 others would be deferred should the bill be rejected.

    ”MPs should pass the finance bill to secure jobs for intern teachers, fund HELB and School feeding” said the President.

    Debate on the Bill is currently underway in Parliament ahead of the voting which is expected to take place from 3.30 pm even as mass protests continue in various parts of the country.

    Young demonstrators (Gen Z) protesting against the Finance Bill 2024.

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u has warned that it will resort to instituting budget cuts in several areas should Members of Parliament choose to exact changes to the Finance Bill 2024 as initially drafted.

    “If the revenue raising measures contained in the Finance Bill 2024 are not approved by the National Assembly, there will be a likely revenue shortfall of approximately KSh.200 billion,” Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u said in a letter to NA.

    State departments and key programmes are set to face significant budget cuts.

    Allocation for the Higher Education Board (HELB) and the school feeding programme which is a lifeline to many school children countrywide will be reduced by Ksh3.2B and Ksh1.8B respectively.

    Proposed budget cuts (below) if the bill doesn’t pass.