Activists to stage 'Occupy Parliament' protest against new taxes today

Activist Boniface Mwangi during a past interview with KTN. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Activists are set to stage the much-anticipated 'Occupy Parliament' protests against the new government taxes and levies.

Activist Boniface Mwangi announced that plans for the protests are complete and confirmed that the demonstrations would comply with the law.

The conveners insist that the protest, which will begin at noon, is protected by Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to protest and picket.

In Nairobi, protesters are expected to gather at various landmark buildings in the Central Business District, including the National Archives, Nation Centre, GPO, and Ambassador bus terminus.

The groups will then converge at Parliament buildings, where MPs will be considering the Finance Bill 2024 report tabled by the Finance and Planning Committee, led by Kimani Kuria, from 2:30 PM.

Boniface Mwangi explained that the bill would harm the economy and further burden an already overtaxed citizenry.

“This bill is bad for our economy, bad for our pockets and is bad for this country. MPs must review and restructure that bill because the people have rejected it,” said Boniface while speaking to Radio Maisha on Tuesday, June 18.

“There should be no new taxes,” he added.

Mwangi criticised the government for its expenditure on travels and unconstitutional offices while increasing taxes on citizens.

Boniface stated that protesters would remain vigilant until Thursday, June 20, when Parliament is expected to conclude discussions on the bill.

“We are going to resist to let legislators know that we oppose this bill. Today is the beginning of many other things. Today we are speaking out and telling the president to listen to us. These taxes are very unpopular,” he said.

He clarified that the protest should not be seen as an expression of hate against the government but as a demand for accountability, especially in the absence of a strong opposition.

Protesters have been advised to dress in black and carry relevant placards. They are also advised to bring handkerchiefs and a bottle of water, as the protest's code of conduct emphasises peaceful and lawful action.