Gatundu South Member of Parliament Gabriel G. Kagombe has criticized the accuracy of the issues raised by Gen Z protesters during the 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Speaking on a local radio station on August 18, 2026, Kagombe highlighted the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation that influenced public discussions around the proposed tax legislation.
Concerns Over Misinformation
Kagombe emphasized the need for Kenyans to carefully differentiate between factual information and misleading narratives, especially when engaging with government policy matters.
He pointed out that many claims circulating about new taxes in the Finance Bill were not grounded in fact. "There is a very thin line between information, misinformation, and disinformation in this country," he stated.
Context of the 2024 Finance Bill
- The Finance Bill initially included various tax proposals, some of which were later withdrawn before final enactment.
- On June 18, 2024, the government removed a proposed 16% VAT on bread and other items.
- Following widespread protests, President William Ruto declined to sign the Bill and called for its withdrawal on June 26, 2024.
Public Dissatisfaction Acknowledged
Despite disputing the factual basis of most protest claims, Kagombe recognized the broader public discontent that fueled the demonstrations.
He confirmed that while there was general opposition to the Finance Bill, many specific allegations—such as new taxes on bread and milk—were inaccurate or deliberately misleading.
Political Statements and Reactions
Asked about remarks from the Leader of the Majority Party regarding the Finance Bill, Kagombe expressed disagreement, describing such statements as politically motivated and made in the heat of the moment.
His comments come amid ongoing political debate over the 2024 Gen Z protests, which began as opposition to tax increases but expanded to address governance, cost of living, and accountability concerns.
