Kenyans On X Question Pro-Housing Levy Protest Ostensibly Held By Nairobi’s ‘Slum Dwellers’
Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter) have described the government-backed demonstration supporting the Housing Levy among Nairobi’s ‘slum dwellers’ as absurd and ineffective, considering it as the government protesting against its own citizens.
On December 28th, a diverse assembly of individuals organized a peaceful demonstration, marching through different CBD streets to endorse the contentious Housing Levy tax. They asserted that this tax would be advantageous by creating job prospects for them.
The Parliament passed a tax outlined in the Finance Act of 2023, requiring Kenyan workers to contribute 1.5 percent of their salaries, as reflected on their payslips.
Nevertheless, the High Court nullified the tax following a successful challenge by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. However, implementation of this decision was suspended until January.
The demonstrators, organized under the banner of the ‘Jua Kali Contractors National Umbrella Body’ and individuals identifying as residents of slums, expressed their endorsement of the tax as they believed it would positively impact their circumstances, enabling them to secure better prospects and ensure adequate food for their households.
The demonstrators were chanting ‘Bado Mapambano’ and similar slogans while sitting atop trucks, with a police van trailing closely behind them.
The protest was observed by photographers who were also spotted positioned behind the police van, capturing the unfolding events.
While brandishing well-crafted signs featuring precise text and vivid visual elements, the demonstrators marched through the town in a winding formation, spurred on by an MC energizing them through the loudspeakers installed on the trucks.
However, Kenyans promptly highlighted several discrepancies in the entire event, such as the presence of a police van and escort, the lackluster energy displayed by the supposed protesters, the evident financial strength apparent in the protest organization, and the quality of individuals participating in the demonstration.
Many individuals find it difficult to comprehend why those living in impoverished urban areas, surviving on minimal income, would dedicate a day to protest on the streets. It’s puzzling how they manage to fund the production of high-quality signs, arrange for trucks, and even engage the police, all using their own money.
Some observers pointed out that, in contrast to typical protests known for their active engagement, fervent speeches, emotional expressions, and tangible excitement, this specific demonstration seemed sluggish, devoid of vigor, enthusiasm, or any clear objective.
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Activist Boniface Mwangi initiated the confrontation by admonishing the protesters and labeling it as a clear government-sponsored initiative.
“This is the same government that is arresting poor people who gather at Jeevanje Gardens to discuss politics and the cost of living. A protest with a police escort is a government-sponsored protest. Slum dwellers hired trucks, and printed banners to support the government. Watu si Wajinga!” he said.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtahtah, who successfully challenged the levy in court, also took to his X account to rubbish the protest saying, “Constitution of Kenya Article 37 on Assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition. Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities… We welcome this government demonstration, tuzidi!”
Another user noted the overall energy in the protest – coupled with the suspicious positioning of the photographers.
“Just look at how bored these ‘protesters’ are! It’s like they just can’t wait for their Ksh.200 so they can walk home! Zero energy! Zero passion! Zero conviction! Alafu, do you mean the police were so kind they allowed the photographers to cover the event while standing at the back of their van? Wow! I want to be a slum dweller too!” he said.
On his part, social commentator and columnist Gabriel Oguda said, “28th December 2023 will go down in history as the day the Gov’t of the Republic of Kenya organized street protests against its own citizens. Even citizens of Singapore would be embarrassed on our behalf if they saw the videos.”
The authorities intend to utilize the funds for constructing a minimum of 250,000 housing units every year nationwide. This initiative aims to enable Kenyans to acquire affordable homes and generate employment opportunities.
According to the High Court’s decision, the government failed to offer a logical justification for its decision to apply the housing levy exclusively to employees within the formal sector.
Kenyans On X Question Pro-Housing Levy Protest Ostensibly Held By Nairobi’s ‘Slum Dwellers’
