MPs Secretly passed the finance bill 2024 months after dozens of Gen z killed while protesting about the bill

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has confirmed that Parliament discreetly approved the contentious Finance Bill, 2024, in December 2024—just months after widespread protests led primarily by Generation Z against the bill.

The protests which erupted earlier in the year were marked by significant unrest and tragic incidents, including the loss of lives among young demonstrators who vehemently demanded the outright rejection of the bill rather than mere amendments.

During a recent address at PCEA Kikuyu on Sunday, June 22, Ichung'wah revealed the government's strategy to pass the bill quietly after recognizing the fervent opposition fueled by social media narratives. “For your information, because not many people know this, on June 25, we decided not to sign it in. On December 4, 2024, only five months later, everything that was in the finance bill was passed quietly, without any deaths or throwing stones, until 97 percent of it passed,” he stated.

The protests against the Finance Bill were characterized by a passionate outcry from young people, who argued that the proposed tax measures would disproportionately burden the youth and exacerbate economic hardships.

The demonstrations culminated in violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, leading to tragic fatalities and injuries. The government faced intense scrutiny and pressure from civil society organizations and opposition leaders to address the grievances of the demonstrators.

Ichung'wah's comments have reignited anger among many Kenyans who feel betrayed by their elected representatives. “Everything that was in the Finance Bill 2024 was eventually passed in December 2024, just five months after it was initially rejected. This time, it happened quietly. No one died, no one insulted us and no stones were thrown. In fact, 97% of the proposals were passed; only 3% didn't make it through,” he added.

The revelation of the secretive passage has led to calls for accountability and transparency within Parliament. Critics argue that the government’s approach undermines democratic processes and disregards the voices of young citizens who mobilized for change.

“We tried to enlighten them, but they did not listen to us. Finally, we decided not to pass it until people cooled down,” Ichung'wah noted, reflecting on the government's initial decision to withdraw the bill amid public outcry.

On June 25 of last year, a lethal protest against the finance bill, spearheaded by Generation Z, halted the highly contentious legislation that had already been approved by MPs in Parliament. With numerous fatalities reported, President William Ruto ultimately chose not to sign the bill into law, effectively calming the unrest and restoring a temporary sense of order.

Parliament approved the Finance Bill 2025 On June 19, 2025, facing somewhat less opposition compared to the previous year. However, MPs took note of last year's protests and decided to remove a clause that would have allowed the Kenya Revenue Authority to access taxpayers' financial accounts