Kenya youth – June 2025 – Kenya plunged into unprecedented political crisis this week as Kenya youth led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 exploded into nationwide fury, culminating in the storming of parliament buildings and forcing President William Ruto to announce the bill’s withdrawal.
What began as online outrage under hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament rapidly transformed into a groundswell of mass dissent, primarily driven by Kenya’s Gen Z and Millennial population. Fueled by anger over proposed tax hikes targeting essentials – including bread, vehicles, mobile money transfers (MPesa), and a contentious eco-levy – protesters took to the streets in cities and towns across the country.
The Escalation:
- Nationwide Fury: From Nairobi and Mombasa to Kisumu and Eldoret, demonstrations intensified dramatically. Protesters, largely peaceful initially, demanded the complete rejection of the bill they labeled as punitive and out-of-touch amidst a severe cost of living crisis in Kenya.
- Violent Clashes: The situation deteriorated rapidly outside parliament on Tuesday. Significant clashes with police erupted as thousands marched towards the legislature. Officers deployed tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live ammunition to disperse crowds. Reports of police brutality during Kenya protests and injuries to protesters flooded social media, further inflaming tensions.
- Parliament Breached: In a historic and shocking moment, sections of the enraged crowd overwhelmed security barriers, storming the parliament buildings in Nairobi. Images of protesters inside the chambers, vandalizing property, and setting parts of the complex ablaze captured global attention, symbolizing the depth of public anger.
- Deaths Reported: Tragically, fatalities were confirmed amid the chaos, with human rights groups and medical personnel reporting protesters shot dead. The exact number remains contested, deepening the national trauma.
Ruto’s Dramatic Reversal:
Facing the most severe challenge to his presidency and mounting international condemnation, President Ruto addressed the nation late Wednesday. In a significant retreat, he announced the Finance Bill 2024 would be withdrawn entirely.
“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede. Consequently, I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto stated, acknowledging the power of the youth protest movement in Kenya.
Fallout and Uncertainty:
- Political Crisis: Ruto’s U-turn, while meeting the core protester demand, leaves his administration in a deep political crisis. The violent scenes and breach of parliament represent a massive loss of state authority. Questions swirl about the leadership of President Ruto and the future of his economic agenda.
- Public Demands Persist: While celebrating the bill’s withdrawal, protest organizers and many citizens demand accountability for police violence and deaths. Calls for investigations into protester deaths and the resignation of key officials, including the Inspector General of Police, are growing.
- Economic Questions: The bill’s withdrawal creates a significant budgetary hole in Kenya. The government must now find alternative ways to raise revenue or cut spending, adding another layer of complexity to an already fragile economic situation marked by high public debt.
- Youth Power: The protests have undeniably showcased the rising political power of Kenya’s youth, who mobilized largely outside traditional opposition structures using social media (#KenyaGenZRising) and demonstrated remarkable organizational capacity.
The Path Ahead:
Kenya remains tense. While the immediate trigger (the Finance Bill) has been removed, the underlying issues of economic hardship, perceived government insensitivity, and demands for greater accountability remain potent. The coming days will test the nation’s stability and its leaders’ ability to heal deep divisions and chart a new course that addresses the legitimate grievances of its young population. The world continues to watch as Kenya navigates this critical juncture.
