A Kenyan TV station, KTN News has made an announcement, saying that they had received threats from the authorities about a likely shutdown due to their reportage of the ongoing protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
The network has however, emphasised its commitment to defending public interest and stated that it would not be intimidated by such threats.
The protests which saw a massive turnout by Gen Z protesters wjo were also the organisers, had garnered wide-spread media attention due to the heavy-handed response from the police and the widespread public opposition to the proposed tax hikes in the bill.
During the protests on Tuesday, a massive crowd breached Parliament security and forced its way into the grounds and other sections including the Senate Chambers.
It wasn’t long when police officers became overwhelmed by protestors as tensions heightened, forcing the security officers to open fire against protestors.
The Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations began as a response to the government’s plan to implement new taxes and increase existing levies on various goods and services.
For many Kenyans, the bill was regarded as a burden on the already struggling population.
What They’re Saying
KTN News had said,
“Now in the wake of our detailed coverage of the ongoing protest against the Finance Bill 2024 that has been organised by Gen Z protesters who would like to inform our viewers that we have received threats from authorities of intentions to shut us down.“We would like to inform the public of our commitment to defend the public interest and we shall not be cowed by any threats.”
Why It Matters
The protests gained speed due to several key factors:
- Firstly, the proposed tax increase is coming at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with high cost of living as well as unemployment.
- Secondly, a lot of Kenyans, civil society organisations, opposition leaders, and activists have been outspoken in their opposition to the bill, arguing that the new taxes are regressive and would hinder the economic growth of the country.
- Third, the protests are being used as a tool to pressure lawmakers to reject the bill.
After the initial round of protests, the government made some compromises, announcing that sections of the controversial bill would be amended.
Meanwhile, the protestors were still going strong with placards and slogans urging for the complete rejection of the bill, leading to clashes with police forces who used tear gas and water cannons to break up the crowds but despite this, the demonstrators remain defiant, keeping up their rally against the perceived injustices of the proposed financial measures.
