Gen Z use church pulpits to send anti-Finance Bill messages

Anti-Finance Bill protestors demonstrating outside ACK Church of Christ the King Pro-Cathedral in Nyahururu, Nyandarua County during the consecration and enthronement of Rev. Major Samson Mburu Gachath on June23,2024. President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua among other leaders attended. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Youths across the country used the pulpits and church environs to pass their messages of anti-Finance Bill 2024

At Holy Family Minor Basilica church in Nairobi, three youths who spoke maintained the stand they have held since last week.

Holding the national flag, one of the youths, Jack Koganda Collins, urged the church to be in the forefront opposing the 'oppressive' Bill.

Kagonda told worshipers that the government should not impose the Bill on people since majority have already rejected it. 

''This Bill will overtax Kenyans and people should take time and read it to understand that what we are saying is true and its out to promote oppression," another youth Kanana Koome said adding the Bill will pile further financial misery to the Kenyan poor. 

Michael Karani thanked Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi for showing them the importance of making informed decisions and standing for justice.

"We ask Christians all over the world to pray for us, Gen Z. Kenyans are currently trying to speak up and pass a message, but the government seems not to be listening," said Karani. 

Archbishop Anyolo had earlier asked the police not to kick out youths from the church and around its environs.

Nyahururu, where President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua attended a church service was not spared the wrath of the young Kenyans protesting against the controversial Bill.

President Ruto’s convoy arrived at the Anglican Church of Kenya Christ the King Pro-Cathedral Nyahururu at around 9.45 am but the national flag and the presidential standard were not flying on his official vehicles.

The protesting youth who were chanting ‘Ruto Must Go and Reject Finance Bill’ forced the president to abandon plans to address residents after the church service, which has been the norm.

There was a heavy police presence at the venue where locals were screened before being allowed to enter the grounds where the service was being held.

The protesting youths were locked outside the venue until the event was over.

A youth who led the 'Occupy Nyahururu" protest, Mwabili Mwagodi, said he traveled from Mombasa.

In most parts of the country politicians kept off church services on Sunday.

In Homa Bay, clerics urged Gen Z to be cautious as they engage in protests against the Finance Bill.

Archbishop Winnie Owiti of the Voice of Salvation and Healing Ministry said the youths should not allow wrong elements to infiltrate the protests and bring them trouble with authorities.

"Even as they demonstrate, we're asking them that they should not destroy lives. They should remain cautious and be careful, there might be bad elements who want to infiltrate their peaceful protests and put them into problems.”

Report by Collins Kweyu, Julius Chepkwony, ,James Omoro and Clinton Ambujo