Numerous schools within Nairobi County are set to begin their half-term break on Tuesday rather than Wednesday due to the planned protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Some parents have confirmed receiving notices advising them to keep their children at home for safety as tensions have risen since last week’s demonstrations.
The protests are expected to continue throughout the week, with organized efforts on social media platforms such as X Spaces building a massive movement.
The youth have maintained a dynamic online presence from hashtags like #OccupyParliament to #OccupyStateHouse and #JusticeForRex.
The latest hashtag, #TotalShutdown, underscores their commitment to ongoing protests.
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A widely shared poster on social media reveals plans for a seven-day protest to show solidarity for their slain colleague, Rex, and to push the government to reject the Finance Bill, which recently passed its second reading.
Dubbed ‘7 Days of Rage,’ the demonstrations also aim to warn Members of Parliament who supported the Bill against their constituents’ wishes and to urge investigations into police brutality against protesters.
Monday: A “courtesy call” to MPs who supported the Bill, urging constituents to boycott businesses affiliated with them and to collect signatures for their recall.
Tuesday: The second #OccupyParliament protest, with a warning of a ‘Total Shutdown’ of the country through a nationwide strike.
“Gen Zs are granting all hard-working Kenyans a day off. Parents, keep your children at home in solidarity,” states the notice.
Wednesday: A call to action demanding justice for Rex’s death. Protesters are expected to visit the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) offices and the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
Thursday: The climax of the protests, where Gen Zs plan to block main roads leading to Nairobi and march to State House under the slogan #OccupyStateHouse.
This is the day President William Ruto will sign the Finance Bill into law. Gen Zs declare they will be there to “witness Ruto sign our lives into slavery.”
