Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai has criticized the ongoing youth-led protests in Nairobi against the Finance Bill 2024, suggesting that many participants are motivated more by social media attention than genuine grievances.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Nyamai claimed that some protestors were on the streets primarily to gain attention on TikTok. She cited a conversation with one of her sponsored students who participated in the protests.

According to Nyamai, the student messaged her expressing concerns about the Finance Bill, particularly the proposed taxes on motor vehicle circulation and bread. However, Nyamai noted that since these taxes had been removed, there was no longer a reason for the student to continue protesting.

“I asked her why she was on the street, and the girl told me she was not there concerning the Bill; she said she was there for TikTok,” stated Nyamai.

The MP defended her support for the Bill, referencing the success of the 2023 Finance Act. She highlighted Kenya’s economic growth, noting that a renowned publication ranked Kenya as the 27th fastest-growing economy in the world.

Nyamai also pointed to the success of the Nairobi Stock Exchange as evidence of the country's thriving economy, attributing this success to the government's financial measures.

She argued that the implementation of the proposed measures in the Finance Bill would benefit Kenyan manufacturers by imposing taxes on imported products.

Nyamai's comments come amid widespread protests across the country against the Finance Bill 2024. Many young Kenyans have taken to the streets, arguing that despite the removal of certain clauses, punitive measures remain, justifying their continued opposition to the entire Bill.