Protestors returned to the streets on Thursday, despite President Ruto’s administration conceding to demands that the Finance Bill 2024 be withdrawn and his deputy asking for the protests to be called off on Wednesday.
While legal questions abound about how Parliament, which is in recess, will handle the next steps, protestors have also termed ongoing protests as driven by multiple goals, including an end to corruption, and justice for those killed and injured in prior protests.
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The bill is the latest in a series of years geared towards keeping Kenya creditworthy in international markets, and comes just a weekend after the country paid off a major Eurobond debt.While a parliamentary committee and the ruling party had proposed some changes, protestors demanded the bill be rejected.More than 20 people have been confirmed dead, mainly from gunshot wounds suffered during the protests on Tuesday, with dozens more injured.The bill and the Appropriations Bill, which are the legal process that follows Budget Day, are time bound as the government’s fiscal year draws to a close at the end of this month.
Read our continuing coverage on the Finance Bill 2024 by refreshing this page and following us on X, LinkedIn, and Telegram.
4:00 pm– Parliamentary legal process becomes clearer: the Speaker of the National Assembly will notify each of the legislators of the President’s memo, and they will consider it once they begin sittings again in late July.
12:50 pm– Police launch teargas to disperse protestors in Nairobi.
12 noon– Reports that military personnel have been deployed to several locations in Nairobi.
11:30 am– Protests in Mombasa along Moi Avenue, Kisumu, Eldoret, and other towns.
10:43 am-“The high objectives of the protest- despite the regrettable loss of lives and destruction to property- has been a spectacular success. The Finance Bill 2024 is dead and the President now seeks an honest conversation with Kenyans particularly her young People on the way forward,” Korir Sing’oei, PS for Foreign Affairs, says.
10:32 am– Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, (MP Mbeere North, DP) announces he will be withdrawing the Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024. In a post on X, he said “The Bill was founded on the need to give effect to article 37 of the Constitution and to enhance the safety and security of the protestors, non-protestors and businesses. However, I have agreed with the will of Kenyans that the bill be withdrawn.”
7:00 am– Reports of protests in various parts of the country as Nairobi streets remain largely empty.
3:00 am– “The IMF is closely monitoring the situation in Kenya. Our main goal in supporting Kenya is to help it overcome the difficult economic challenges it faces and improve its economic prospects and the wellbeing of its people. We are committed to working together with Kenya to chart a course towards robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth.” IMF says in a statement.
12:05 am-US Secretary of State speaks with President Ruto, thanks him for taking steps to reduce tensions and underscores restraint. “The Secretary welcomed President Ruto’s commitment to Kenyans’ constitutionally-endowed rights, including peaceful assembly and due process for those detained,” the US Department of State said in a readout.
Thursday June 27th Updates Start Above
11:30pm– Martin Luther King III, son of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife Andrea Waters make a public appeal in a video from the Maasai Mara to support nonviolent action.
9:18pm– “My Ministry will double our efforts on promoting Youth Centric programs and opportunities in E Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Internships, Capacity building, Access to Capital and Access to Investments and Trade,” -Rebecca Miano, CS for Investments, Trade, & Industry says in a statement.
8:26pm– “I decline to assent to the Finance Bill 2024, and refer the Bill for reconsideration by the National Assembly with the recommendation for the deletion of all the clauses thereof,” President Ruto says in a statement shared by Hussein Mohammed, State House Spokesperson.
7:32pm– Kenyans and well-wishers raise KShs. 18mn in 8hours to settle medical bills for injured protestors.
6:04pm– Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blames NIS and its director Noordin Hajj for intelligence failures. “They slept on the job,” he said during a press conference from the coastal city of Mombasa.
5:52pm– Questions emerge on what exactly happens to the Finance Bill now since the President can only send it back to Parliament with proposed amendments. A bill can only be withdrawn by the MP who introduced it, and ideally a lot earlier in the legislative process.
5:07pm- Ongoing contributions to cater for the hospital bills of those injured on Tuesday cross KShs. 10million.
5:00pm– Activists and human rights groups dispute President Ruto’s claim that only 6 people died during Tuesday’s protests. Police Reform Working Group says it recorded at least 23 deaths, over 50 arrests, 22 abductions, and over 300 injuries on Tuesday.
4:58pm – Parliament, Judiciary and County Governments targeted in austerity measures.
4:50pm-President declares 360 degree war on graft to curb public wastage
4:47pm – “I am proposing that since we have gotten rid of the Finance Bill 2024, it is necessary for us to have a conversation going forward.”-President Ruto. Says his administration will Ruto says will be engaging youth, civil society, religious leaders, professional bodies on way forward after rejection of Finance Bill 2024.
4:44pm – “It has become evident that members of the public insist on the need for us to make more concessions,” President Ruto says, “I run a government, but I also lead people…Having reflected…and listening keenly to the people of Kenya that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill, I concede. and the Finance Bill, 2024, is withdrawn.”
4:38pm – President Ruto begins national address by highlighting some of the achievements of his government and its efforts in “pulling the nation back from debt distress”.
4:00pm– Internet observatory Netblocks disputes claims that degraded internet connectivity on Wednesday was due to an undersea cable cut, says the impact was higher than during previous cable cuts that have affected the country.
A new visualization of yesterday’s internet disruption in #Kenya during protests shows domestic and downstream country impacts. Key findings:
* No physical subsea cable damage yet identified
* Kenya impact higher than in past cable cuts
* MTN Uganda attributes outage to Kenya pic.twitter.com/GBsPQPOFlH
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) June 26, 2024 3:15 pm– Reports of ongoing demonstrations in Eldoret, Kakamega towns.
3:12 pm – Kenyans and well wishers have raised over KShs. 6million to assist people injured during the protests.
2:45 pm – Reports by local daily The Star that President Ruto has sent Finance Bill 2024 back to Parliament instead of signing it. This is yet to be confirmed by TKWS. State House press office since the President will address the nation at 4pm.
2:37 pm -In a statement, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President says that over 100 people were killed on Tuesday.
2:34pm -Human rights organisation MUHURI says at least 3 people died, 2 from gunshot wounds and one by teargas inhalation, during the Tuesday protests in Mombasa.
1:00 pm – Law Society of Kenya files suit against Defense CS Duale and National Assembly over the deployment of KDF and urges the court to suspend the decision until a hearing can be held.
12:21 pm – Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) says 24 patients operated overnight, 23 waiting for different procedures at the facility. It received 2 bodies and one person died while undergoing treatment.
12:20 pm – National Assembly approves the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces across Kenya to assist the National Police Service with restoring order. The deployment was approved in record time, within less than an hour of being formally introduced reportedly.
11:56 am – Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa makes a statement asserting that the telecommunications giant does not violate users’ data privacy and remains in compliance with the Data Protection Act.
9:10 am – Reports continue to emerge of certain high-profile protesters being released. Some protesters including the likes of Kasmuel Mcoure remain unaccounted for.
8:00 am– Businesses looted on Wednesday continue to take stock of damage, economic losses.
Early Morning – Kenya wakes up to reports of numerous deaths in Githurai area of Nairobi. Several different estimates of death toll have been given – TKWS is working to verify how many have died since the protests begun.
Updates for June 26, 2024 start above.
9:20 pm – Despite internet connectivity issues nationwide, reports emerge of gunshots and dead bodies in Githurai just 15 KM from Nairobi’s Central Business District. The number of injured and dead is unconfirmed.
9:11 pm – President Ruto calls today’s activity in Kenya “treasonous.” Promises strong response to actors who have caused insecurity & violence in Kenya.
9:05 pm – President Ruto begins address to the Republic of Kenya.
8:15 pm – Defense CS Aden Duale deploys of the Kenya Defense Forces to support the National Police Service, as announced in Gazette Notice No. 7861.
7:34 pm – State House announces press conference with President Ruto set for 9:00 PM EAT today.
6:30 pm – Kenya Airways announces delayed departures from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport “due to road closures.”
6:17 pm – Ambassadors and High Commissioners from many ‘western’ countries including the UK, US, and Canada publish joint statements on the loss of life, protests, and the storming of Parliament.
“We welcome civic engagement by all Kenyans, in particular the youth, in addressing issues of vital public concern. We call for restraint on all sides, and encouraging leaders to find peaceful solutions through constructive dialogue.”
6:00 pm – Opposition coalition (Azimio) holds press conference inviting the immediate resignation of Kenya’s President.
5:59 pm – Safaricom claims that undersea cable damage is responsible for the slow internet connection experienced as early as 4pm. View the tweet here.
“We have activated redundancy measures to minimize service interruption and keep you connected as we wait the full restoration of the cables,” the Telco has said in a statement this evening.
4:50 pm – Live network data shows Kenya is experiencing significant disruption of internet connectivity at the moment.
3:40 pm – Protesters removed and driven out of Parliament compound.
3:30 pm – Fire at Nairobi County City Hall as protests against the Finance Bill 2024 continue. Protesters have left the vicinity of Parliament.
3:15 pm – Part of Parliament Building torched by protestors.
3:00 pm – Ministers of Parliament flee the building for Bunge Tower as protesters flow into the Parliament premises despite multiple reports of dead bodies.
2:57 pm – Protesters breach the gates of Parliament.
2:22 pm – Reports emerge that protesters have caught police in possession of live bullets in the vicinity of Parliament.
2:15pm– 195 Mps vote for the adoption of Finance Bill with amendments, 106 vote no with 3 spoilt votes
2:14 pm – Protesters reportedly close in on Parliament as police have retreated to the grounds. Final results of the vote are expected soon.
2:01 pm – Chief Justice, Martha Koome, has condemned security agencies for violating citizens’ rights. Calls upon judicial officers to avail themselves to work extra hours if petitions are made. “I therefore urge all agencies in the justice sector to process any criminal actions lawfully and to investigate and address the allegations regarding abductions related to the ongoing protests with utmost agency,” The Chief Justice said.
1:22 pm:
1:20pm- The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a statement criticizing the government for using extreme force against peaceful protesters, abducting social media influencers, and violating the constitutional rights of Kenyan citizens.
“We call upon all Advocates, other professional bodies and Kenyans of good will to stand up for this country. Let us stand for Peace, let Justice Be Our Shield and Defender,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
1:11 pm-MPs begin voting after the division bell was run to begin manual voting, by roll call.
12:56 am – The Russian Embassy in Kenya has issued a statement to its citizens living in the country to avoid crowded places as protests intensify across the country. “Due to the aggravation of the internal political situation, we urge you to avoid visiting crowded places in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Kisii, Kilifi, Embu and Kericho in the coming days.”
12.36pm- Protesters arrive at the gate of the Supreme Court, KICC, and Nairobi City Hall in the Central Business District. Police appear to have retreated into the KICC Courtyard. Protesters are actively disassembling barricades installed overnight.
12.08pm– Clause 63 of the Bill amended to delete part exempting KRA from data protection act. Section 65 of the Value Added Tax Act is amended by inserting the words ‘and exported goods’ immediately after the words ‘imported taxable goods’.
12.01pm– Clause 60 amended to exclude employees of national carriers from carrying KRA Pin while working outside the country.
11.51am– Clause 51 amended to exempt farmers, small businesses and enterprises with turnover less than KSh 1 million from e-tims registration.
11.38 am- MPs vote yes to amend proposals on eco-levy (sanitary towels, tyres are now exempted from the eco-levy). The levy to apply on finished imported products.
11.15am– Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir protests the Finance Bill with a placard chanting “RejectTheBill”, ejected from the house.
11.29am- Hon Mwenje withdraws his amendments to the Finance Bill 2024, proposes rejection of the entire Bill.
11.26am- MPs vote yes to amend Clause 41 of Finance Bill 2024, Excise duty to be paid on 5th day instead of within 24 hours as earlier proposed.
11.23am- MPs vote yes to amend Clause 39 of the Finance 2024 Bill, allows manufacturers deduct excise on raw materials
11.15am– Majority of the amendments to the Finance Bill 2024 adopted as proposers have their way, those against the amendments root for total rejection of the Bill.
10:52 am – Sen. Edwin Sifuna (also Sec-Gen of the ODM Party) clarifies why Azimio MPs withdrew their amendments stating, “We have heard the call of Kenyans loud and clear. The directive is that we Reject, not amend.”
10:43 – Anti-Finance Bill protests start in Eldoret town.
10:08 AM – Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetangula announces the withdrawal of amendments to the Finance Bill 2024 put forward by numerous Azimio coalition members. Out of 37 total amendments made last week, 13 have been withdrawn. Other withdrawals can still be made, according to the Speaker.
10:07 AM – Safaricom has denied claims of sharing users’ data with the government, as protesters on X (formerly Twitter) accuse the Telco of collaborating with the government in tracking and abducting social media influencers.
10:00AM – Reports of protests across major cities beyond Nairobi in Kenya emerge – most notably Mombasa and Kisumu. Additional protests are said to start later today.
9:52 AM- Police have begun lobbing teargas canisters at peaceful protesters in Nairobi CBD.
9:34 AM – The hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 continues to gain ascendance on X (formerly Twitter) as it crosses the 4 million mark. Videos tagged with the hashtag have also attracted more than 13 million views on TikTok.
9:30 am – The National Assembly meets to address today’s Order of Business including the Committee of the Whole House for the Finance Bill 2024 and the Second Reading of the Appropriations Bill. View the full Order of Business document here.
Overnight – Kenyan social media is abuzz with numerous reports of abductions including high-profile protesters such as Gabriel Oguda, Shad Khalif, and Franje just to name a few.
Early AM – Protests begin in Nairobi CBD. Countless businesses are closed – some have fortified their shops over fears of destruction and potential looting. Protests have remained peaceful so far.
3:00 AM– Reports of abudctions of X influencers, including Gabriel Oguda, a prolific writer and researcher who works in the Office of the Minority Leader, emerge.
