Business in Malindi town came to a standstill on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, as thousands of Generation Z youths took to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024. The protest, which saw a significant turnout of young people, highlighted the growing discontent among the youth regarding the proposed financial legislation. The demonstrators, employing strategic maneuvers, managed to outwit security forces by approaching the town's streets from multiple directions, catching both law enforcement officers and motorists by surprise. This tactic led to significant traffic disruptions, as drivers found it challenging to navigate the streets filled with passionate protesters determined to voice their opposition to the bill.
The protestors began their march from various points in the town. Some started at Kijiwetanga, near the Festival Mall adjacent to Malindi Airport, while others commenced their journey from Kwa Ndomo, near the Malindi roundabout intersection. The groups eventually converged at the Malindi Complex, a hub of government offices, before gathering outside the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices. Here, they staged a brief sit-in, displaying placards and articulating their dissatisfaction with the Finance Bill. The demonstrators argued that the proposed taxes were punitive and would disproportionately affect the common citizen, particularly the youth, by exacerbating poverty levels.
Despite the large turnout, the protest remained largely peaceful. However, tensions briefly escalated when police officers deployed tear gas canisters as the protesters passed by the Malindi Police Station. This confrontation was short-lived, and the demonstrators continued their march without further incident. Speaking to journalists, the protestors called on the National Assembly to reject the entire bill, emphasizing the adverse impact it would have on ordinary Kenyans.
The protest also drew reactions from members of the Kilifi County Assembly (MCAs), who expressed varied opinions on the matter. Some MCAs cautioned against dismissing the entire bill, noting that certain clauses could benefit Kenyans. Others, however, sided with the demonstrators, acknowledging the legitimacy of their concerns and urging them to maintain peaceful demonstrations.
The protest in Malindi is part of a broader national discourse on the Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread debate and concern across the country. As the National Assembly deliberates on the bill, the voices of the youth, as demonstrated in Malindi, underscore the critical need for inclusive and equitable financial policies that address the needs of all citizens.
