Sudi changes tune on Finance Bill protests, now says Gen Z should be heard

Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has changed his tune on the demonstrations conducted by young people across the country to oppose the passing of the 2024 Finance Bill in the National Assembly.

"Niliona hao Gen Z, hata mtoto wangu pengine alikuwa hapo, lakini hawaelewi hii Finance Bill," said the Kapsaret MP last week.

But speaking during at a fundraiser Yamumbi PCEA church in Eldoret on Sunday, Sudi said the young people have genuine concerns and should be heard, claiming he even reached out to President William Ruto on the same.

“These youth are a good generation; they are not tribalistic, they do not care where you are from but have united to fight for their issues. I have spoken to the President and told him he needs to listen to the youth,” he said.

The MP said young people should in future be included in the drafting of proposed laws.

“As we plan next year’s Finance Bill, we must sit and engage with them so they tell us their challenges and how they want it (the bill) to look until we reach an agreement. Nobody should criticise them, they are right,” said Sudi.

He urged Kenyan youth to continue conducting their demonstrations peacefully.

“I congratulate them and if they want to continue protesting, let them protest, so long as they do not touch anyone’s property. Let them continue being peaceful and we parents and leaders will listen to them,” he said.

As of Saturday evening, two people had been confirmed dead after suffering injuries caused by the police during last week's largely peaceful protests.

Meanwhile, the youth have organised a seven-day protest from Monday, June 24 to mount more pressure on the government to shoot down the Bill entirely.