Anti-riot police officers were on Tuesday June 18, 2024 deployed around Parliament in Nairobi ahead of the planned ‘occupy parliament’ protests. 

In addition, police barricaded roads leading to Parliament, to ensure protestors do not access the restricted area.

This was after a section of Kenyans led by human rights activists vowed to protest outside parliament against the proposed tax increase, outlined in the Finance Bill 2024.

The protestors aim is to influence lawmakers to reject the Finance Bill, set for consideration in the House on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Kenyans on social media platforms actively supported the ‘occupy parliament’ protests by sharing posters and guidelines for the demonstrations scheduled outside Parliament buildings.

For instance, on Monday, leaflets were handed out in Nairobi’s CBD, urging citizens to “stand up against excessive taxation by ‘Zakayo’, a nickname Kenyans have adopted for President William Ruto due to his tax policies.

Boniface Mwangi an activist informed journalists that the protest would start at 11 am, ahead of Parliament’s session scheduled for 2 pm.

According to posters shared on social media, protesters are instructed to wear black clothing and adhere to a code of conduct emphasizing calm behavior.

Additionally, the protesters were urged to avoid violence, abusive language, and any damage to property.

However, Sylvanus Osoro, the National Assembly Majority Whip, has indicated that the Finance Committee is reviewing amendments to the Finance Bill.

The amendments include reconsidering increased taxes on bread and vegetable oils, as well as a new motor vehicle circulation tax and levies on internet and money transfer services.

The Finance Bill 2024 aims to generate an additional Ksh.300 billion in taxes, despite strong opposition among citizens.