Celebrities join protests as Eddie Butita faces backlash

Several Kenyan celebrities who attended the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 have been commended by Kenyans online.

Stylised as #RejectFinanceBill2024, Tuesday’s protest is the latest example of digital activism in the country following #EndFemicideKE.

Attributed online and in the media to Generation Z or Gen Z, the demonstrations were meant to highlight the punitive clauses within the bill such as the “16% VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions as well as the 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax” which were reversed on Tuesday morning.

However, the changes were not welcomed as demonstrations continued as planned with many critics saying that scrapping the bill was the only right response.

The protest was largely organised by online activist Hanifa Farsafi who goes by the name @Honeyfarsafi on X.

The code of conduct for tomorrow!!! And remember, do not litter too please. Please do not litter!!! pic.twitter.com/coYo2VdMbo

— Hanifa (@Honeyfarsafi) June 17, 2024

Among the celebrities spotted in the street included musician Charisma who shot to fame as part of the group Le Band, Nadia Mukami who was seen in the streets with Arrow Bwoy, Juliani, media personalities Willis Raburu, Amina Abdi, digital content creators Murugi Munyi who was teargassed and arrested, Carey Priscilla who attended while pregnant, actress Patricia Kihoro, Jackie Matubia and comedian Mwalimu Rachel to name a few.

Also in attendance, singer and songwriter Atemi Oyungu shared her experience online criticising the police for not allowing them their constitutional right to picket.

“Hiding and coming out only to be teargassed again. These people could have just allowed us to walk. We weren’t destroying property. We had given ample notice. Get my second dose of teargas after this (sic)!” she said.

Meanwhile, comedian Eddie Butita has sparked the ire of Kenyans online for what they’ve described as “failing to take a stand.”

Mr Butita stated on Saturday that he had raised concerns about some issues expressing confidence that they would be addressed.

“As a responsible citizen, I have raised some issues on the Finance bill, especially touching on the creative economy,” Mr Butita said.

“I have engaged both formally and informally and I am confident action will be taken. That said creatives are not opposed to paying taxes, we are just asking for an harmonized approach (sic).”

His statement was not received well online.

One X user said that the trip the comedian had taken with President William Ruto when he travelled to the United States was the real issue.

“Butita is now using the word ‘harmonize’ as a euphemism for ‘sell-out’ to agree with the #FinanceBill2024,” he said.

“Lord, look at how a free ride to the USA from Nairobi has changed your people. The real issue is the 1.5 million dollar plane ride, and of course, #RejectFinanceBill2024.”

Mr Butita isn’t the only celebrity who has sparked the ire of Kenyans. The list also includes actress Kate Kamau who travelled to the US with Butita, content creator Sharon Mundia, Ivy Wanjiru, Michelle Ntalami and more.

“We are going to end up with a product in Parliament that came from the Executive and has been interrogated by the Legislature. Through public participation, the people of Kenya have had a say."
-William Ruto, President#KBCniYetu^EM pic.twitter.com/eOgja4D1Gy

— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) June 18, 2024

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, President Ruto said he was “happy” Kenyans had read and understood the bill enough to “recommended through public participation their feelings, their ideas, their suggestions” even as protests continued on the streets.

“The fact that the executive is working, the legislature is working, the judiciary is working, institutions are working in Kenya, that is a very proud country and I want to belong to Kenya,” Ruto added.

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