Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has stated that the withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024 was merely a catalyst for the nationwide mass protests against the government by the young generation.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday, the senator explained that Gen Zs, who have been the driving force behind the civil disobedience, are enraged by poor governance, corruption, and impunity.
"Mr. Speaker, we are in this situation because Kenyans despise and are furious with the current state of affairs, and if we do not address their concerns and take action, we will make no progress," he said.
"It was never just about the Finance Bill; it was simply the spark. Why? Because public servants are extremely corrupt, and people hate this and are angry," he added.
Khalwale was contributing to a motion on the current State of the Nation moved by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
"People are angry and hate public servants because of our own actions. The public display of wealth and opulence, unless the public can quickly see where you got it from, will make them unhappy," he said.
Young Kenyans, now popularly known as Gen Z, ignited public outrage over the state of affairs in the country, particularly the government’s insistence on imposing extra taxes via the Finance Bill despite widespread disapproval.
They stormed Parliament on June 25 and left parts of it in ruins after MPs defied their calls to reject the unpopular Bill, whose proposed tax measures they considered 'punitive'.
President William Ruto on Wednesday softened his stance and declined to sign the Bill, but this has done little to appease the masses who continue to protest and demand better governance, particularly the eradication of corruption and accountability of public funds.
Khalwale said this open show of defiance is the result of pent-up anger Kenyans have had over the years in the face of impunity by those in leadership positions.
“Over the weekend, I was speaking about a young member of Parliament from my community who has bought a helicopter, and I know him very well. I wish him well in accumulating wealth, but please, I’m asking the President to consider how the membership of an MP to a parliamentary committee can be the basis for affording such luxuries,” he questioned.
The senator added that Kenyans are equally disturbed by how an MP can afford to donate Sh20 million at a Harambee.
“In another instance, I saw a minister carrying a large bag on his back and announcing the millions it contained. Mr. Speaker, if we don’t reject these actions, people will think they are giving us their money, which is not their money; those are proceeds of corruption,” Khalwale said.
He continued: “Mr. Speaker, people are angry at us because every weekend, helicopters crisscross the skies, all heading to events where these millions are being distributed.”
This, combined with the numerous fuel-guzzling vehicles many legislators drive, has fueled the anger among Gen Z, prompting them to show leadership that they have had enough, Khalwale concluded.
Omtatah breaks down Salasya's controversial 'measly' salary