The protests are largely driven by concerns over the proposed cuts to education funding and rising university fees. The Finance Bill 2024 suggests reducing the education budget by 3.7 billion Kenyan shillings, a cut of 10%.
This reduction comes as university fees have reportedly tripled, making higher education less affordable for many students. According to Omari, the high fees and additional taxes are placing an unbearable burden on Kenyan youths, fueling the protests.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Omari expressed his frustration with the current administration, led by President Ruto. He emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in handling taxpayer money.
Omari argued that the government should openly disclose how much is borrowed and how the funds are used to prevent misuse and ensure public trust. "We need to know how much was borrowed and what they did with the funds," Omari stated.
Omari’s call for the president’s children to join the protests is based on his belief that they should support their peers in challenging the government’s financial decisions.
"The president’s children must come out and identify themselves with Gen Z," he said. He highlighted that if Ruto’s children were to participate, it would bring more attention to the protests and show a unified stance among the younger generation.
The protests have seen a wide range of participants, including notable figures such as Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s sons.
Archbishop Ole Sapit shared that his son joined the protests, reflecting the growing frustration among Kenyan youths. Similarly, Sonko’s son expressed his willingness to protest, emphasizing that demonstrating is a constitutional right.
These protests are not confined to Kenya alone. Kenyans living in the United States have also participated, holding peaceful demonstrations outside the Kenyan embassies in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
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