DEMNENT CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF YOUTH DEMONSTRATORS AGAINST FINANCE BILL 2024 IN KENYA
26th June 2024.
It is with profound sadness and outrage that we condemn the brutal killing of more than 15 young Kenyans and the severe injury of over 145 others, who have been admitted to different hospitals across the country with bullet wounds. These young men and women (GenZ) courageously exercised their constitutional right as enshrined in Article 37 of the Kenyan constitution to peacefully protest against the punitive taxes imposed by the Finance Bill 2024. Their peaceful demonstration tragically turned deadly, resulting in an unacceptable and heartbreaking loss of life and damage to property. The recent turn of events has led to the abduction of online influencers whose online crime is social sensitization and mobilisation, healthcare providers have not been spared either, their only crime being the first responders to the injured protesters.
While the president hopes to raise the extra 302 billion shillings via finance bill 2024, blood must not be shed. We call upon the President William Ruto to heed the voices of the GenZ and millennials to put an immediate end to this draconian bill. The youth of Kenya, our future leaders, deserve to be heard, not silenced with violence. The lack of empathy displayed and recent classification of their demonstrations as treasonous is unwarranted, and the use of military force against them is excessively punitive. The demonstrations are against corruption and seek to exercise our economic liberation.
We strongly urge the Kenyan government to give dialogue a chance,with the protesters and other stakeholders to address their legitimate concerns. It is only through open communication and understanding that the government can find a way forward that benefits all Kenyans.
In this time of mourning and reflection, we stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and the injured. We demand justice for those who have been wronged and call for an immediate, transparent investigation into these tragic events. The perpetrators of this violence must be held accountable to ensure that such atrocities do not occur again.
We appeal to all Kenyans to remain peaceful and steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Let us honour the memory of those we have lost by continuing to fight for a fair and just society where every voice can be heard without fear of retribution.
“The struggle for liberation is not over. It continues in different forms. We must remain vigilant and committed to the ideals of democracy, justice, and equality” Raila Odinga.
Democracy Network- Kenya (DEMNET- Kenya) is a sister organisation of Democracy Network supported by US State Department African Regional Services, University of Massachusetts Boston, Centre for Democracy (CD) that cuts across 10 African countries working around safeguarding electoral justice and supporting civic engagement in Africa.
Signed,
DEMNET KENYA