Kenyans mobilise MPs online to oppose Finance Bill 2024

Kenyans on social media have launched an online campaign against the Finance Bill 2024 as the final reading nears.

The hashtag "RespectMyHustle," created on Thursday, June 13, was started by influential X user Amerix. He encouraged Kenyans to contact their respective members of parliament and convince them to vote against the bill.

"60 per cent of your income goes to the taxman. Whom are you working for? You are working for the state. You are a slave. Refuse to be a slave. Pick up your phone now, and call your member of Parliament. Tell him to reject The Finance Bill. Add here their numbers," Amerix tweeted.

He provided a list of phone numbers of legislators and urged followers to share more contacts. Within hours, more netizens joined the campaign, drawing the attention of legislators.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya confirmed on his account that he had received countless messages and calls.

"Who has shared my number on @X? Everybody across the nation is calling my number, texting me and WhatsApping me. I can't sleep. The phone is vibrating throughout, asking me to reject the finance bill. They are sending me one shilling on M-Pesa to confirm if it's me. We are not voting tomorrow!" Salasya tweeted.

Salasya complained of receiving over 5,000 calls and urged netizens to focus on passing the message to Kenya Kwanza's elected parliamentarians.

“There are almost 5,000 numbers here calling me. And some are Kenya Kwanza supporters who voted for President William Ruto. Why disturb me when I am an Azimio member?” he asked.

He urged the public to pose questions and demands to the majority members in parliament, claiming they would pass the bill regardless.

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina reacted, saying, "It's time!"

Starehe MP Amos Mwago said, "Good morning. When we get to the finance bill voting, I won't let you down. Everything will be live, no deceiving."

Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua also urged Kenyans to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.

"We must reject the Finance Bill and every imposition by the Ruto regime that pushes Kenyans into destitution. We remind members of parliament that Kenyans are watching your every move to see how you respond to their cries," she said.

The debate on the Finance Bill has sparked mixed reactions, with many Kenyans complaining about increased taxes