A Nation's Outcry: The Finance Bill Protests That Can't Be Ignored.

Only a foolish person would underestimate the relevance of the Finance Bill protests. These protests are unprecedented. When you see the youth, previously thought to be politically disconnected, taking to the streets, there is every reason to sit up and take note. When you see the middle class, often dismissed as the "chattering masses" by figures like David Ndii, out on the streets, you can't read the situation as normal.

Even more interesting is the fact that this is a people-led protest. There are no tribal or political divisions undermining these demonstrations. The protests are taking place countrywide, including in the president's own backyard. These protests have been covered comprehensively by international media, underscoring their significance. Those in the government are undoubtedly feeling the pressure.

As I have often said, everything has a limit. It is crucial to listen to the people before it is too late. Youths have no jobs. Yet, when they try to earn an income through online activities such as blogging and trading, the government wants to tax that. They want to increase taxes on the internet and forex transactions. This is pushing things towards the breaking point.

Many Kenyans understand that the country is in a precarious fiscal position and that tough measures are needed. However, there is no need for arrogance and insults while pushing these measures. It is not necessary to impose ruthless and excessive taxes. Dialogue and consensus-building are critical.

How will the government collect tax revenues with daily protests in the streets? The economy will deteriorate, and the fiscal crisis will deepen. I have warned countless times that we have exhausted our taxation capacity. The government should tighten its belt. Citizens have no belt left to tighten.

It is unfortunate to see leaders using condescending language against those protesting the Finance Bill. It is baseless to claim that the demonstrators are led by ignorant people who haven't read the Bill. This is a country of educated people. We can read and decipher what is good or not. I saw Dr. Alfred Mutua making such claims, only for him to unleash a mountain of lies about the Bill. Claims that those demonstrating are sponsored are also laughable.

What the people in government should know is that these demonstrations are a culmination of the cumulative impact of previous Finance Bills. The suffering has been adding up year after year. We are now approaching the breaking point. The people can't bear the load anymore. Instead of the government being sensitive and appreciating the fact that people are suffering, it is belittling and insulting the demonstrators. This is reckless behavior that can lead to serious political unrest.

Senior public servants are earning ridiculously high salaries amidst serious economic suffering. They have no clue what people are going through in this country. Understandably, such people are living in a different world. But they shouldn't mock those who are suffering due to their failures as leaders. History has shown that such arrogance doesn't last. When a government stops listening, it starts leaving.

The people who came up with the Finance Bill 2024 are economic saboteurs who should be held accountable. There is nothing in that Bill that makes sense. The best option would be to withdraw the Bill in total. The status quo should be maintained. A comprehensive review of existing taxes and procedures should be undertaken with a view to lessening the burden on the people. We ought to learn from the fact that last year's Finance Bill didn't yield the expected tax revenues. Coming up with a similar Bill while well aware that it wouldn't amount to much isn't smart.

These young men being used to push harsh economic policies and foment political divisions remind me of YK92. This tragic history is repeating itself. We are seeing some young politicians swimming in an ocean full of money whose source no one knows. They wear designer suits and shoes costing millions. They are dishing out money as if it is running out of fashion. Just as it happened in 1992, all this is being done when Kenyans are enduring an unforgiving economic environment. This is akin to vomiting on the shoes of the voters. We are courting a revolution.

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