Festo Lang/CNN
After a week of street protests over higher taxes proposed in the Finance Bill 2024, organizers have announced “7 days of rage” and called for a “total shutdown” of Kenya on Tuesday.
CNN
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Concern is growing in Kenya as protesters have gone missing amid nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024.
The protests, which have spread across the country, are part of a movement dubbed the “7 Days of Rage”, which has called for a “total shutdown” of Kenya on Tuesday. They say they plan to “occupy” parliament in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.
The protest movement has gained prominence through social media, where organizers have called on all Kenyans to participate in a nationwide strike.
“Gen Z is giving all hardworking Kenyans a day off,” read one widely circulated poster.
The country's interior minister has warned that the protests should end by sunset or 6.30pm local time, whichever is earlier.
Home Cabinet Secretary Kithur Kundami addressed the media in Nairobi, urging protesters to remain peaceful and warning against destruction of property.
“Protesters must not block, obstruct, vandalize or otherwise destroy any private or public property,” Kindami told a media conference in Nairobi.
Kundami added that the police would guide the protesters and restrict access to areas protected by law for critical infrastructure.
Kundami has not responded to concerns about a few prominent social media users who have been reported missing in recent days.
Recent footage showing a young man being forced into an SUV has sparked fear and widespread condemnation.
Kenyan President Faith Odhiambo's Law Society called the incident a kidnapping and accused intelligence officers of misconduct.
“Obviously, this was not an arrest because the police did not identify themselves or have any conversation to inform him of his rights before the arrest,” Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said in a statement. wrote “These criminals pretending to exercise police authority must be stopped.”
The protest is expected to be centered in Nairobi.
Opposition Member of Parliament Babu Owino invited the protesters to the National Assembly in a video posted on X.
“I will personally open the gate for you so that you can come in and have tea,” he said. Despite this, the government has warned against attempts to enter any government buildings during the protests.
Human rights groups and content creators' associations have expressed fears of a possible internet and media blackout that could further escalate tensions.
In a joint statement, 27 organizations warned that such measures would put lives at risk and violate citizens' rights to organize, demonstrate and participate in policy-making.