Protests against the proposed Finance Bill 2024 have escalated in Nairobi, resulting in City Hall being set on fire. Videos obtained by the Star show thick smoke billowing from the building, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing demonstrations.
The incident occurred amid widespread protests across the country, with demonstrators voicing strong opposition to the Finance Bill. Protesters in Nairobi targeted City Hall, setting it ablaze as part of their protest actions. The bill, which has sparked considerable controversy, is seen by many as unfair and harmful to the economic well-being of ordinary Kenyans.
Police officers quickly surrounded City Hall, attempting to contain the situation and prevent further damage.
Eldoret Club Owned by MP Oscar Sudi Vandalized and Looted by Protesters
Protesters in Eldoret have vandalized and looted Timber XO, a club associated with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi. The club, situated along the Eldoret-Nairobi road, was targeted amid escalating protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, just weeks after the club’s official opening, which was attended by MP Sudi and several other Members of Parliament. The protests, which began in Eldoret’s Central Business District, saw demonstrators marching to the club and causing significant damage.
Upon reaching Timber XO, the protesters stormed the premises, breaking glass walls, windows, and doors. Video footage and photos from the scene show extensive damage to the club’s exterior and interior.
Police were dispatched to the site as some of the protesters managed to gain entry into the club. These individuals looted the establishment, taking off with various items before law enforcement could intervene.
The attack on Timber XO is part of a broader wave of unrest sweeping across Kenya as citizens protest the proposed Finance Bill. The demonstrations have been marked by instances of violence and destruction, reflecting the deep-seated anger and frustration among the populace.
Authorities are investigating the incident at Timber XO and have increased their presence in Eldoret to prevent further vandalism and looting. The situation remains tense as the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens and reconsider the contentious Finance Bill.
County Court and Vehicles Torched in Eldoret
As protests against the Finance Bill 2024 intensify, the county court and enforcement offices in Eldoret were set on fire on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The violent demonstrations also saw several vehicles, including a lorry and a van, torched by angry protesters.
Images obtained by the Star depict the extensive damage caused by the fires. The court building and surrounding enforcement offices have been significantly burned, reflecting the escalating tensions in the area.
The unrest in Eldoret is part of a larger wave of protests sweeping across Kenya. Citizens are expressing their dissatisfaction with the proposed Finance Bill, which they argue will increase their financial burden. The situation in Eldoret has become particularly volatile, with incidents of arson and vandalism highlighting the depth of public anger.
During the protests, demonstrators targeted the county court and enforcement offices, setting them ablaze. The fires quickly spread, causing extensive damage to the structures. In addition to the buildings, a lorry and a van parked nearby were also set on fire.
Law enforcement agencies are on high alert as they try to manage the escalating violence. The authorities have increased their presence in Eldoret to prevent further destruction and maintain order. Despite these efforts, the protests continue to grow, with demonstrators determined to make their voices heard.
Protests Paralyze Machakos as Youth Barricade Roads and Battle Police
Business activities came to a standstill in Machakos town on Tuesday as protesting youth clashed with police officers in running battles. The unrest stemmed from widespread opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
The confrontations began when youths blocked all roads leading to the town’s center. They used stones, lit tires, and live fires to barricade the roads, effectively halting all traffic. Police, including officers from the Kenya Police Service, Prison Police, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), swiftly intervened to disperse the protestors.
The youths, numbering in their tens, engaged in cat-and-mouse games with the anti-riot officers. Some of them hurled stones at the police, who responded by firing tear gas canisters to disperse the crowds. The confrontations caused widespread disruption, leading to the closure of all shops and business establishments in the town.
The protests were strategically conducted in groups. Some blocked the Machakos-Wote Road near Machakos Level 5 Hospital, while others obstructed the exit to the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at the street lights within the town’s central business district (CBD). Earlier in the day, youths had also barricaded sections of the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at the Syokimau footbridge and in Emali in Machakos and Makueni counties, respectively.
As the protests intensified, traders were forced to lock themselves inside their premises to avoid the chaos. Transport in and out of Machakos, as well as along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, was paralyzed for most of the day due to the demonstrations.
Protestors expressed their determination to continue their actions until their concerns are addressed by the government. They chanted anti-Finance Bill slogans and vowed not to relent until their demands are met.
The demonstrations were still ongoing at the time of reporting, reflecting the deep-seated anger and frustration among the youth over the proposed legislation. The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Teargas Clouds Nakuru: Protests Against Finance Bill Turn Violent
On Tuesday, Nakuru town was the scene of intense protests against the proposed Finance Bill 2024. The demonstrations saw hundreds of police officers deployed to manage the crowds, which quickly escalated into running battles between the anti-riot police and protestors.
From early morning, protestors gathered in various parts of Nakuru to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill. Despite the government recently removing some of the controversial clauses, the protestors remained steadfast in their demand for the bill to be completely withdrawn. The streets of Nakuru filled with thousands of demonstrators, mostly youth, who were determined to make their voices heard.
Anti-riot police were stationed at key locations across the town. As the crowds grew and the protestors began to march, the police responded by firing teargas to disperse the demonstrators. The tear gas caused the crowds to scatter in various directions, but many regrouped and continued to protest.
The confrontations caused significant disruption throughout Nakuru. Businesses were forced to close, and the usual flow of traffic was brought to a standstill. The air was thick with teargas, and the sound of chanting protestors echoed through the streets.
Despite the heavy police presence and the use of teargas, the protestors showed no signs of backing down. Their primary demand remained clear: the complete withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. They voiced their frustration over the bill, which they believe imposes unfair taxes and economic policies that would harm the youth and the general populace.
The protests in Nakuru were part of a larger wave of demonstrations taking place across the country. Similar scenes were reported in other major towns and cities, all united in their opposition to the Finance Bill.
As the situation in Nakuru continued to develop, it was evident that the protestors were resolute in their cause. The clash between the police and the demonstrators highlighted the growing tensions and dissatisfaction among the Kenyan youth regarding the government’s economic policies.
Further updates on the situation will follow as more information becomes available.
