Bobi Wine Urges Kenyan Authorities to Release Detained Activists

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has joined critics in condemning the reported abductions of activists in Kenya.

These reported abductions are in response to protests in the country over the Finance Bill 2024.

The singer-turned-politician expressed his disappointment with the Kenyan authorities through a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

“Very concerned by reports of ongoing abductions of young activists in Kenya. We in Uganda understand the pain of illegal arrests, abductions, and enforced disappearances. These are a common occurrence in our country.” Bobi Wine said.

Over the week, business in major cities of Kenya has been paralyzed as citizens show their disappointment in the country’s expected financial policy.

Genesis of challenges

In Kenya, the tradition is for a finance bill to be presented to parliament before the start of a financial year. The financial year runs from July to June. Therefore, the bill lays out the government’s fiscal plans for that period.

However, with a cumulative debt of approximately USD 80 billion, the William Ruto-led government has become unpopular with a 2024/2025 bill meant to reduce the debt deficit.

The bill, which aims to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, proposes tax hikes on various household items.

Provisions in the bill include imposing a 16% VAT on bread as well as tax hikes on mobile money transfers and a new annual 2.5% tax on cars.It is with this background that Kenyan citizens marched to the streets last week and continued into this one.

The protests are led by the Gen Zs who use social media platforms for mobilization.By press time, a number of digital activists had been whisked to unknown places by security operatives. These include Gabriel Oguda and Drey Mwangi. Others are Shad Khalif and Frenjie.

Bobi Wine also called upon the Kenyan authorities to release the activists.

“I join all persons of good conscience in condemning these abductions. I also call upon the Kenyan authorities to urgently release all those illegally detained. The government should uphold the rights of all citizens. This includes those opposed to the Finance Bill 2024.” Bobi Wine said.