Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has alleged that some foreign power was behind the ongoing ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

In a statement on Wednesday June 19, 2024, Ngunyi noted that the ‘Reject Finance Bill’ protests led by Kenyan youth were being sponsored by some foreign powers, unhappy with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.

At the same time, the political analyst advised members of parliament to not only look at protesting citizens but also external forces behind the demonstrations.

“Dear MPs, have you considered that a foreign power, unhappy with Ruto wants to Occupy Parliament?

“This protest against Finance Bill 2024 is not organic. Telephone numbers etc.. Someone wants to destabilise Kenya and create an Arab Spring! And our foolish children are the toys,” Mutahi Ngunyi noted in a statement posted on X.

According to the veteran political analyst, the majority of Kenyans were not protesting because the Finance Bill is bad, but they are being misled by certain foreign powers, which he did not disclose.

His remarks emerged at a time when protests against the Bill intensified in different parts of the country, as citizens raised concerns over excess taxes that are likely to worsen the already high cost of living.

The protests started on Tuesday June 18, 2024 in Nairobi as citizens called on the MPs to reject the Bill, as it was being tabled in the House for the First Reading. 

This was after Kenyans mobilized themselves on social media using the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill, while sharing mobile phone numbers of MPs and Senators for citizens to remind them to reject the proposed Bill in parliament.

Meanwhile, the protests were organized by the people without the support of Azimio leaders such as Raila Odinga, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka. 

On the other hand, Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai claimed that the youngsters’ protests against Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi are motivated by the need to gain views on Tiktok.

Nyamai made the remarks while debating over the Finance Bill in Parliament on Wednesday June 19, 2024.

The MP alleged that most young people were engaging in protests to record videos for sharing on their social media pages including Tiktok.

She insisted that there was nothing wrong with the Bill and that Kenyans were only protesting for gaining followers on social media, as well as pleasing their friends and followers.

At the same time, Molo MP, who is also the National Assembly Finance Committee Chairperson Kuria Kimani disclosed that he received Ksh168,000 from Kenyans, who were confirming his phone number, after getting it from social media.

Speaking on Wednesday  while tabling the Bill in parliament for a second reading, the Molo MP asked for advice on what to do with the money received from Kenyans.