Over the past few weeks, Kenyans have taken to social media to protest the proposed Finance Bill 2024, attracting significant media attention both domestically and internationally.
Kenyan celebrities and public figures such as Muchiri Mike, Murugi Munyi, Amina Abdi Rabar, Njugush, Janet Mbugua, Adelle Onyango, Octopizzo, Khaligraph Jones, Nadia Mukami, Nyashinski and more have vocally opposed the bill.
This stance has garnered support from international celebrities, including Kenyan-born Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o, Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold, Jamaican star Konshens, and Ugandan musician turned politician Bobi Wine among many others.
Following the chaotic scenes witnessed at the occupy parliament protests on Tuesday (25.06.2024) renowned actress Lupita Nyong’o took to social media to express her support for the Kenyan youth.
In her statement, Lupita said, “I salute the Kenyan youth and I am grateful to them for coming together in an extraordinary way to stand up against the problematic Finance Bill 2024 as well as to defend and promote the democratic rights of the Kenyan people.” She also extended her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests, saying, “I am extremely saddened that lives have been lost in the process, and my thoughts are with the victims’ families.”
“May the government of Kenya aim to peacefully unify the nation by hearing and addressing the concerns about bad governance that are rightfully being raised,” she concluded, using the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 to emphasize her stance.
Nigerian hitmaker Adekunle Gold who had his maiden performance in Kenya back in 2021, also expressed his solidarity with the Kenyan people in rejecting the punitive finance bill.
Last week, Jamaican Dancehall artiste Konshens also voiced his support for the youth-led movement, calling for Parliament to reject the Finance Bill.
International media like BBC, CNN, Aljahzeera as well as American entertainment site The Shade Room have also highlighted the plight of Kenyans.
Kenyans have also noted the silence of celebrities from our neighbouring country Tanzania such as Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize who have often termed Kenya as their second home.
The call for the government to address the issues raised by its citizens grows louder, with support pouring in from both local and international voices.
