‘Obvious Government Project.’ – Kenyans Question Pro-Housing Levy Protest Ostensibly Held By Nairobi’s ‘Slum Dwellers’
Kenyans on X, formerly known as Twitter, have labeled a demonstration advocating for the Housing Levy in Nairobi by residents of informal settlements as a ludicrous and ineffective effort by the government to rally support from its own citizens.
The protest, which took place on December 28th, involved a diverse group of individuals marching peacefully through various streets in the Central Business District (CBD), expressing endorsement for the controversial Housing Levy tax.
They argued that the tax would be beneficial in creating job opportunities. The tax, sanctioned by Parliament as outlined in the Finance Act 2023, requires Kenyan workers to contribute 1.5 percent of their salary.
Nonetheless, the High Court intervened and nullified the tax following a successful challenge by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. However, the implementation of the court order was deferred until January.
The demonstrators, led by the self-proclaimed ‘Jua Kali Contractors National Umbrella Body’ and individuals identifying as slum dwellers, asserted their endorsement of the levy, believing it would positively impact their circumstances and contribute to putting food on their tables.
Carrying banners and chanting slogans like ‘Bado Mapambano,’ the protesters rode on trucks, closely trailed by a police van. Photographers documenting the event stood at the rear of the police van, capturing the proceedings.
Despite the well-designed placards and organized display, observers quickly pointed out several inconsistencies.
These included the presence of a police escort, the seemingly lethargic demeanor of the protesters, the evident financial resources involved in the protest logistics, and the notable individuals participating in the demonstration.
Many questioned how individuals, often living on less than a dollar a day, could afford to take a day off work, invest in professionally crafted signs, hire trucks, and even secure police services.
Some highlighted the lack of typical protest dynamics, such as heightened activities, impassioned speeches, emotional expressions, and a clear sense of purpose.
Activist Boniface Mwangi openly criticized the protesters, dismissing it as an apparent government-backed initiative.
“This is the same government that is arresting poor people who gather at Jeevanje gardens to discuss politics and cost of living. A protest with police escort is a government sponsored protest. Slum dwellers hired trucks, printed banners to support the government? Watu si Wajinga!” he said.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtahtah, who successfully challenged the levy in court, also took to his X account to rubbish the protest saying, “Constitution of Kenya Article 37 on Assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition. Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities… We welcome this government demonstration, tuzidi!”
A different user pointed out the general lack of enthusiasm in the protest, coupled with the dubious placement of photographers during the event.
“Just look at how bored these ‘protesters’ are! It’s like they just can’t wait for their Ksh.200 so they can walk home! Zero energy! Zero passion! Zero conviction! Alafu, you mean the police were so kind they allowed the photographers to cover the event while standing at the back of their van? Wow! I want to be a slum dweller too!” he said.
On his part, social commentator and columnist Gabriel Oguda said, “28th December 2023 will go down in history as the day the Gov’t of the Republic of Kenya organized street protests against its own citizens. Even citizens of Singapore would be embarrassed on our behalf if they saw the videos.”
The government aims to utilize the fund to construct a minimum of 250,000 housing units each year nationwide, as part of an initiative to enable Kenyans to own affordable homes and stimulate job creation.
However, the High Court, in its decision, stated that the government failed to offer a logical explanation for its decision to impose the housing levy exclusively on formal sector workers.
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‘Obvious Government Project.’ – Kenyans Question Pro-Housing Levy Protest Ostensibly Held By Nairobi’s ‘Slum Dwellers’
