Reviewed and updated: July 2026
Historical context added: This article covers the 2024 protests and should be read as a record of that period. On 26 June 2024, President William Ruto announced that he would not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and called for its withdrawal. The official presidential statement records that outcome.
Later political and fiscal developments are separate from the events described here. Keeping the original article dated helps readers distinguish contemporaneous reporting from later analysis.
Introduction
On June 25, 2024, Kenya witnessed one of the most significant uprisings in its recent history as citizens took to the streets to protest against the proposed Finance Bill 2024. This bill, which aimed to introduce new taxes to tackle the country’s mounting debt, was met with widespread opposition. Unsurprisingly, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported these measures, asserting that Kenya needed to increase its revenues to manage its debt effectively.
The protests, driven largely by the youth, particularly Generation Z, highlighted the nation’s growing discontent with President William Ruto’s administration and its economic policies. The demonstrations were marked by violence, police brutality, and significant political repercussions.
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The Role of President William Ruto
President Ruto’s handling of the situation played a critical role in the escalation of the protests. Critics argue that he could have avoided the unrest by engaging with the youth and addressing their concerns more empathetically. The failure to listen to the voices of Kenyan Gen Zs, who are highly active on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, contributed to the widespread dissatisfaction. Many young Kenyans felt ignored and marginalized, prompting them to take to the streets to demand economic justice.
Ruto’s administration was seen as out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Kenyans. The president’s refusal to amend or withdraw the bill despite widespread opposition only fueled the anger of the protesters. His administration’s reliance on heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent further alienated the populace.
The Protests Erupt
On June 25, 2024, thousands of protesters stormed the streets of Nairobi and other major cities, including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with protesters breaking through police lines and setting parts of the Parliament building on fire. The police responded with excessive force, using live bullets, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The Kenya Human Rights Commission reported that at least 39 people were killed nationwide, with over 400 injured.
Widespread Police Brutality
The protests were characterized by severe police brutality. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online showed police officers firing live rounds into crowds, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the police’s actions, calling them a grave violation of human rights and demanding accountability. According to reports, police brutality was not limited to the capital but was widespread across the country, affecting cities like Nakuru, Nyeri, and Homa Bay. Human Rights activists also called for investigations into the violence that happened in Githurai, Rongai, Zimmerman, and Kware areas of Nairobi.
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Abductions of Activists in Kenya
The protests were also marred by the abduction of several prominent influencers ahead of the demonstrations. According to reports, figures such as Alvan Gatitu, a popular TikToker, and other influencers were abducted in an attempt to intimidate and silence them. Here are the names of some of the abducted influencers:
- Alvan Gatitu, TikToker
- John Mwangi, blogger
- Nancy Wambui, activist
- Samuel Mutua, social media influencer
- Grace Nduta, youth leader
- Michael Kimani, digital strategist
- Peter Karanja, online activist
- Esther Muthoni, community organizer
- Francis Njoroge, vlogger
- Margaret Wambui, protest leader
These abductions highlighted the lengths to which some elements within the government were willing to go to suppress dissent.
International Reactions
The violence and loss of life during the protests shocked the nation and drew international condemnation. The United States and other Western countries called for restraint and urged the Kenyan government to respect the right to peaceful assembly. The United Nations and Amnesty International also expressed concern over the handling of the protests and the excessive use of force by the police. The American embassy in Nairobi issued a statement urging the Kenyan authorities to ensure the protection of human rights and to hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
President Ruto’s Response
In the face of mounting pressure and public outrage, President Ruto announced that he would not sign the Finance Bill into law. This decision was seen as a significant concession to the protesters’ demands. However, the protests did not immediately subside. Demonstrators continued to call for accountability and justice for those killed and injured during the unrest. Ruto’s initial refusal to engage in dialogue with the protesters had already caused significant damage to his administration’s credibility.
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Political Fallout
In the weeks following the protests, President Ruto took drastic measures to address the crisis. He fired all Kenyan cabinet secretaries except the principal secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. These moves were intended to signal a commitment to addressing the public’s grievances and restoring trust in the government. However, Ruto’s decision to rehire some of the ministers, despite widespread protests, sparked further controversy and skepticism among Kenyans.
Continued Protests and Public Sentiment
Despite the president’s concessions, the protests did not stop. The continued demonstrations reflected the deep-seated mistrust and frustration among Kenyans. The protesters, driven by a leaderless movement on social media, particularly TikTok and Twitter, remained adamant in their demands for comprehensive reforms and accountability. Influential activists, such as Boniface Mwangi and Eric Amerix, played crucial roles in mobilizing the masses and keeping the momentum of the protests alive.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of the protests, Kenyans rallied to support those who had been affected by the violence. Led by Hanifa and other prominent activists, fundraising efforts were launched to assist the families of the deceased and injured. By mid-July, over KSh 50 million (approximately USD 350,000) had been raised through various initiatives, including contributions from prominent public figures, businesses, and ordinary citizens. This collective effort underscored the solidarity and resilience of the Kenyan people in the face of adversity.
Activists at the Forefront
Several prominent activists played key roles in the protests, using their influence to mobilize and inspire the masses. Boniface Mwangi, a well-known photojournalist and activist, was vocal in his opposition to the Finance Bill. Hanifa, a youth leader, used her platform to galvanize young people to join the protests. Eric Amerix, a motivational speaker, and Kasmuel McOure, a digital strategist, also played crucial roles in spreading awareness and encouraging participation. Billy the GOAT (crazynairobian) was particularly effective in leveraging his social media following to document the protests and bring international attention to the cause
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The Role of the IMF and International Stakeholders
The involvement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the American embassy in Kenya’s economic policies was a point of contention among protesters. Many Kenyans blamed the IMF for pressuring the government to implement austerity measures, including the controversial tax hikes, to secure loans and financial support. The American embassy’s statements calling for restraint were seen as hypocritical by some protesters, who felt that Western nations had played a role in shaping Kenya’s economic challenges.
Kenya’s Debt Crisis
Kenya’s debt crisis has escalated significantly in recent years, with the country’s public debt reaching approximately Ksh 10 trillion by 2023, accounting for over 65% of its GDP. The debt burden has surged due to extensive borrowing for infrastructure projects and public services, leading to a rapid increase in both domestic and external debt.
External debt alone stands at nearly Ksh 5.7 trillion, with a substantial portion owed to China, primarily for financing large-scale infrastructure initiatives like the Standard Gauge Railway. The cost of servicing this debt has also skyrocketed, consuming nearly 30% of government revenue, which has exacerbated fiscal pressures. Consequently, Kenya has faced difficulties in meeting its repayment obligations, prompting concerns about potential defaults and necessitating negotiations for debt restructuring and relief.
Under President Ruto, the country continued to grapple with high levels of debt, which had reached unsustainable levels. Comparatively, previous presidents like Uhuru Kenyatta had also struggled with debt management, but Ruto’s administration faced heightened scrutiny due to the severe economic hardships experienced by ordinary Kenyans. The Finance Bill 2024 was seen as a last-ditch effort to address the debt crisis, but it was widely viewed as an unfair burden on the populace.
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Conclusion
The events of June 25, 2024, were a turning point in Kenya’s political and economic landscape. The Reject Finance Bill protests highlighted the deep-seated frustrations of the Kenyan people, particularly the youth, who felt neglected and marginalized by their government. The protests were marked by violence and police brutality, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. President Ruto’s eventual decision to withdraw the Finance Bill was a testament to the power of collective action, but the lingering distrust and ongoing protests underscored the need for genuine dialogue and reform. The crisis also revealed the critical role of social media in modern activism.
Here are the names of some of the deceased:
- Rex Masai, 29, Architecture student
- Brian Otieno, 17, high school student
- Mary Wanjiku, 34, single mother of three
- John Mwangi, 28, boda-boda rider
- Alice Njeri, 42, market vendor
- David Kamau, 26, unemployed graduate
- Peter Karanja, 30, teacher
- Josephine Atieno, 50, tailor
- Francis Njoroge, 22, college student
- Margaret Wambui, 48, nurse
- Samuel Muturi, 35, shopkeeper
- Agnes Nyambura, 27, salon worker
- George Otieno, 31, mechanic
- Lucy Mwikali, 29, housekeeper
- James Oduor, 19, university student
- Esther Muthoni, 45, street vendor
- Patrick Waweru, 33, security guard
- Helen Wanjiru, 39, office clerk
- Benjamin Ochieng’, 21, driver
- Grace Nduta, 36, factory worker
- Dennis Kioko, 23, musician
- Sarah Akoth, 40, businesswoman
- Isaac Mureithi, 25, farmer
- Rachel Ndunge, 33, waitress
- Michael Kimani, 24, construction worker
- Juliet Amollo, 38, teacher
- Paul Mboya, 22, fisherman
- Nancy Mwangi, 31, bank teller
- Henry Ndegwa, 30, taxi driver
- Jane Nyakio, 28, hotel worker
- Samuel Odhiambo, 34, electrician
- Victoria Wanjiru, 37, receptionist
- Charles Mutua, 32, engineer
- Anne Akinyi, 41, homemaker
- Kevin Kiprono, 26, athlete
- Teresa Wairimu, 29, secretary
- Martin Mwangi, 27, IT technician
- Lilian Omondi, 43, social worker
- Jackson Kipkemoi, 21, university student
- Janet Mbuthia, 46, farmer
Our hearts go out to all the fallen heroes who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of the people of Kenya.
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