Of bullets, blood and rage: The tax revolt that changed Kenya

In June 2024, a generation that had long been perceived as apathetic - distracted by social media and disconnected from traditional politics- altered the course of Kenya’s history.

What started as an online campaign against the Finance Bill 2024 evolved into one of the most significant citizen-led movements since the struggle for multiparty democracy.

Led largely by young Kenyans armed not with political party structures but with smartphones, miniature flags, a bottle of water, hashtags, and an unwavering determination to be heard, the Gen Z uprising transformed national politics, challenged state authority and forced the government to retreat on a key policy.

Dozens of young people were killed, hundreds injured, and many others abducted or arrested as security forces moved to contain the protests.

Two years later, the scars of those events remain visible in families still seeking justice, in survivors living with physical and psychological trauma and in a political landscape permanently altered by the emergence of a new civic force.

The Gen Z revolution was not simply about taxes but about a generation demanding accountability, dignity and a seat at the national table.

The spark came in May 2024 when the government published the Finance Bill 2024, seeking to raise additional revenue amid growing public debt obligations.

Among the proposals were increased levies on fuel, taxes affecting internet and telephone services, higher charges on financial transactions and an eco-levy targeting products ranging from electronics to motorcycles and diapers.

For many households already grappling with high living costs, the proposals represented yet another burden.

No central leader

Instead of relying on political rallies or party mobilisation, they turned to social media platforms including X, TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp. Civic educators, activists, university students and ordinary citizens dissected the bill clause by clause, translating technical language into simple explanations.

Hashtags such as #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament spread rapidly.

The movement was remarkable because it lacked a central leader. There was no political kingpin directing events from behind the scenes. Instead, thousands of young people collectively organised online, making decisions through digital conversations and crowd-sourced strategies.

As Parliament proposed amendments instead of rejecting the bill, a new slogan emerged: #RejectNotAmend but the youth wanted the bill withdrawn entirely.

The first major demonstrations erupted on June 18, 2024, when hundreds of protesters gathered in Nairobi and other towns demanding that Members of Parliament reject the bill. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but police responded with tear gas and arrests.

More than 200 people were reportedly arrested during the first day of protests.

Images of young demonstrators fleeing from security officers circulated online, drawing national and international attention. Instead of discouraging participation, the crackdown inspired even larger crowds to join subsequent protests.

Civil society organisations, lawyers and human rights defenders condemned what they described as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

The movement gained momentum on June 20 when Parliament overwhelmingly voted in favour of the Bill during its second reading.

Many young Kenyans interpreted the vote as evidence that elected leaders had ignored public concerns.

Anti-riot police officers roughup protesters during Gen Z's second anniversary demos in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Protests spread across at least 19 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Meru and Nyeri as tensions escalated across the country.

As the dust settled, Rex Kanyeki Masai, a 29-year-old, became the first widely recognised victim of police brutality during the protests after he was shot in the thigh in Nairobi’s city centre. According to a postmortem report, he died from excessive bleeding.

What had begun as opposition to the Finance Bill spiralled into a struggle against police brutality and State repression.

Rex’s image spread rapidly online. His name became a rallying cry for justice and accountability, and his killing represented the dangers ordinary citizens faced when challenging authority.

Breached Parliament

Following his death, activists declared what became known as the “Seven Days of Rage” from June 21 to June 27, when the wave of demonstrations escalated.

For the first time in a long time, young Kenyans spoke strongly about unemployment, corruption, poor governance, economic exclusion and what they viewed as a widening disconnect between leaders and citizens.

And on June 25, 2024, as Parliament passed the Finance Bill, thousands of protesters poured onto Nairobi streets to express their anger against MPs and the government.

Crowds overwhelmed police barricades and eventually breached parliamentary grounds, before a section of the National Assembly was set ablaze as chaos unfolded.

Human rights organisations later reported that at least 22 people were killed on that day alone.

Two years later, some of the survivors and bereaved families say they are still waiting for justice, accountability and meaningful compensation as they struggle to rebuild shattered lives.

They recounted their painful memories on June 21, 2026, during an interdenominational prayer service held at Nairobi Baptist Church in remembrance of victims of the protests. Families, survivors, and church leaders renewed calls for the government to investigate, arrest and prosecute police officers responsible.

For many survivors, recounting their experiences remains an emotional ordeal.

A parent whose child died during the demonstrations expressed frustration at the slow pace of investigations.

“My son died in the hands of the police. They should stop asking me for more statements,” she said.

Mary Gathoni, who sustained injuries during the protests, says her life has never been the same.

“I celebrate today because I am alive, although I live with injuries. What about those families who lost their loved ones?” she asked.

Peter Muteti, another survivor, said the violence cost him his livelihood.

“I lost my job, and for almost two years, it has been hard getting back to my feet. The compensation might be little, but it will reduce the trauma the families already have,” he said.

For Chris Odawa, the father of Rex, no amount of compensation can fill the void left by his son’s death.

“Though I acknowledge compensation, there is no amount that can bring life back. Justice for my fallen hero son, Rex Masai, seems distant, almost impossible. They should have killed me, not my son,” he said.

Compensation package

According to the Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations Arising from Demonstrations and Public Protests, Prof Makau Mutua, the government plans to spend Sh448.7 million on 348 verified victims.

The compensation package covers 115 fatalities, 24 severe injury cases, 137 moderate injuries, 60 minor injuries, eight sexual violence cases and four cases involving economic losses.

“Each fatality will receive Sh3 million, severe injury and those who were sexually assaulted Sh1 million, moderate injuries Sh500,000, minor injuries and economic loss Sh50,000,” Prof Mutua said.

However, concerns have emerged over the transparency of the process.

In Mathare, survivors who suffered gunshot wounds complained that they had received no communication from the compensation programme despite submitting documents months ago.

“We don’t know the formula they used to vet beneficiaries. They should come out clearly and explain the criteria used,” said victim Alex Munyao.

Another survivor, Anthony Wesonga, questioned additional requirements being sought from applicants.

“I have all the documents they were looking for, but they are asking if I have a witness,” he said.

Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) official Fredrick Ojiro urged authorities to provide long-term support to survivors.

“They should be supported continuously and receive medication until they get well. We must restore them to their original status. The support should last for the rest of their lives and not be political,” he said.

National Council of Churches of Kenya General Secretary Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui insisted that compensation alone cannot deliver justice.

“Restorative justice must never be used to cover up the need for retributive justice. Kenyans have a right to know the truth and who did what,” he said.