Ugandan political and Human Rights activist, Kifefe Kizza Besigye has commended Kenya’s anti-Finance Bill protesters after President William Ruto bowed to public pressure.
Ruto conceded to that the oppressive Finance Bill 2024 has sowed seeds of discord in Kenya and refused to sign it into law.
Following Ruto’s concession, Kizza Besigye lauded Kenyan protesters and vowed to replicate the success of the protests back in his home country of Uganda.
“Congratulations to Gen Z and all Kenyans for asserting your sovereignty! Finance bill 2024 trashed; President orders reduction of his budget & that of Executive; calls for other wide ranging budget cuts; Calls for DIALOGUE with Gen Z and with the broad CSOs; All those abducted to be accounted for and released!
“Gen Z & all Kenyans must remain vigilant; no turning back, take charge! I love Kenyans & 🇰🇪!! Tutafuata nyayo,” Kizza Besigye wrote.
Besigye made these comments while in Nairobi, showing his solidarity with the Kenyan people.
He had earlier expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives during the protests and encouraged the demonstrators to continue fighting for their rights.
“I am proud of all, especially the young Gen Z protesters who are valiantly facing guns and other lethal weapons demanding justice! Freedom & justice come at a price, which we have to pay sooner or later,” Besigye stated.
He added, “I am in Nairobi and my heart goes out to all the Kenyans who’ve lost their lives and those injured as they protest against taxes imposed on them.”
Besigye’s statements reflect a broader regional interest in the power of popular protest to influence government policy.
His vow to replicate the success of the Kenyan protests in Uganda suggests a potential for similar movements in other East African nations facing unpopular government actions.
As the situation in Kenya continues to develop, the influence of the protests may extend beyond its borders, inspiring activists and opposition figures like Besigye to pursue comparable strategies in their own countries.
Related: Bobi Wine denounces abductions of Kenyan anti-Finance Bill protesters
