Ruto resignation, MPs’ pay cuts: Gen Zs unveil fresh demands as protests take new life

Over the last week, anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests have taken a life of their own, with the protesters taking to different social media platforms to express their frustration with the current government.

The protest evolved into a call for accountability in government with both elected and appointed public servants being put on notice over their conduct.

When the Gen Zs first took to the streets, their rallying call was crystal clear, to reject Finance Bill 2024.

After days of sustained pressure, President Ruto was convinced, to reconsider his stand on the Finance Bill that would have seen Kenyans dig deeper in their pockets to fund government operations.

However, the President's delayed response to the matter, partially opened the door to the inclusion of other issues to be raised by the citizenry who came up with a list of demands that they want addressed by the government. 

The youths have now issued demands to the government with some calling for President Ruto's resignation.

Top of the list posted online and designated “non-negotiable“ is the call for the Executive to obey all court orders and scrap the illegal and illegitimate Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position, as well as the removal of public funding of the Office of the First Lady, Second Lady and Prime Cabinet Secretary’s Spouse, and instead redirect those funds to employing teachers and doctors.

Further, the list also calls for the scrapping of the housing levy, the publishing of audited records on how the funds have been utilised and refunds for all contributors.

The list calls for the immediate firing of all government officials with criminal records and integrity issues, while being advised to constitute the IEBC within the next 30 days and employ JSS teachers and intern doctors.

More demands have been made for the reduction of Members of Parliaments’ salaries and allowances, capping them at Ksh.200,000.

The protesters insist that MPs should not earn more than doctors, and are also calling for the restoration of the school feeding programme.

To curb wastage, the list advises that all government officials should use government vehicles, trains and airplanes.

The final demand is that the President resigns from office.