Youth Movement joins anti-Finance Bill protests

Youth officials of the United Green Movement led by  Terry Kambua addressing media in Nairobi on Friday.[Noel Nabiswa,Standard]

The United Green Movement party has joined the ongoing protests against Finance Bill 2024 led by Kenyan youth.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, June 21, the party youth leaders Terry Kambua and Bini Amin expressed solidarity with the protesters vowing to carry on the demonstrations until concerns are addressed.

“The Kenya Kwanza administration campaigned on the platform of a bottom-up economic model. However, in the past two years, Kenya Kwanza has shown Kenyans that it is a government that came into office and did not have a plan,” said Kambua.

 “We appeal to Kenyans to continue supporting the protests in whatever form. Join in your county, amplify on social media the voices of those in the streets.”

The youth leaders condemned police brutality that already left one protester dead(Rex Masai) calling on the officers to stop manhandling the peaceful protesters.

Through their lawyers, the group plans to write to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the property and wealth that have been acquired both locally and internationally by the 204 Members of Parliaments who voted in support of amendments of the Bill on Thursday.

“We will give the EACC two weeks, ending 9, July within which to publish this information in the manner anticipated in line with Section 30 of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act. Should the EACC refuse to perform the aforesaid acts, the public will lead the supply of this information,” said Salat.

The movement also plans to extend the request for a probe to the presidency, all cabinet secretaries, all Principal Secretaries, The speakers of both the Senate and the National Assembly, all the President’s Economic Advisors and all governors.

Commenting on the party’s policies, Partick Ochieng, a member of the party’s think-tank emphasized its commitment to addressing critical issues such as pollution, youth unemployment, social inequalities, and the economic challenges faced by ordinary Kenyans.

Prof. Osogo Ambani also addressed the convention on the themes of social justice and equality, questioning the root causes of inequality in Kenya and exploring potential solutions. The party claimed that issues such as land distribution, access to education, and economic opportunities have often been skewed, leaving many citizens marginalized.