On activism

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 Standing up for what's right is rarely easy, but it's necessary.





Over the last couple of days, there have been numerous protests held in various Kenyan counties over the proposed 2024 Finance Bill. The Bill is part of the Kenyan government's annual budget and is in its final stages of deliberation. The reason so many Kenyans have taken to the streets and to social media to protest against the Bill is due to the numerous tax hikes it'll introduce on basic commodities and services. Furthermore, if the Bill is approved, it will result in a loss of digital privacy amongst Kenyans by granting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) immunity to data protection laws.

Like many other Kenyans, I feel as though this Finance Bill is the straw that broke the camel's back. Over the last few years, Kenya has seen a large increase in taxes. Whilst this is somewhat understandable (as there has been a global recession of sorts over the last few years and Kenya is pretty deep in the debt hole), what is unacceptable is how various infrastructure projects have stalled or failed to be implemented over the same time period. It's simply unfair that ordinary Kenyans have to pay more taxes, yet some politicians are spending millions of Kenya shillings on unnecessary private flights both within and outside the country, often at the expense of taxpayers. Lots of Kenyans, particularly Gen Z's, are frustrated with the government and are expressing their indignation via public demonstrations.

Over the course of history, there have been numerous figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai; who have had to campaign against various forms of injustice.  Activists are spurred to action and are brave enough to speak up about issues that most people think about, but are either unable or afraid to attempt to rectify. 

Many of the freedoms we enjoy today only came as a result of the blood, sweat and tears of activists. Violence is an unfortunate, but common result of activism. Despite the (mostly) peaceful picketing of the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters, the Kenyan police have responded with brutal force. At the time of writing, 2 young men have been killed during the protests and many more have been injured. Activists are often branded as criminals and anarchists by the state, even if their actions don’t deserve such labels.

Now more than ever, I believe it is essential to recognize and laud the efforts of activists fighting for a worthy cause in a respectable manner, not only when said cause is accomplished, but during their campaign efforts. At the same time, it is equally important to ensure that activism doesn’t become radicalized. The recent vandalism of the Stonehenge monument by members of the “Just Stop Oil” movement is an example of corrupted activism. When situations that demand public action arise, let’s be civil and self-controlled, but vocal and persistent. We all have the capacity to bring about change for the better. Let’s do our part to make this change happen.

Sources:
Cy Muganda (Photo)

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