A video has surfaced showing a Kenyan protester smoking teargas from a canister shot at him by Anti-Riot police officers during #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests in Kenya. The protester caught the teargas canister, smoked it like a type of vape, sharing it with another protester as an unusual kind of defiance act. He said he wanted one with strawberry flavor, thus he became the first person known to smoke teargas.
These protests, led by Kenyan youth who have taken to the streets over the rejected controversial Finance Bill 2024, are distinct above all else by their courage and determination. Unfortunately, during the protests, at least 22 citizens lost their lives at the hands of Anti-Riot police. Undaunted by the tragic losses, the protesters pressed on strongly in demanding change.
In the wake of continuous protests, the Kenyan President, William Ruto, dramatically backflipped yesterday on an announcement to withdraw a controversial tax bill. The leaders of the demonstrations, however, dismiss this move as a “PR” stunt in response to violence during earlier rallies.
According to a prominent protester, Hanifa Adan, protesters would “march peacefully again as we wear white, for all our fallen people,” while some of her supporters will come with flowers in memory of the dead. You cannot kill all of us, she said on X.
Another protester identified as Nelly termed Ruto’s approach a case of too little, too late. “He could have done this earlier without people having to die,” said another woman. “So let it be known that we are marching tomorrow for a better future Kenya.”
The protests will resume on Thursday, June 27, as the people of Kenya continue to demonstrate and hold a satirical protest for their rights and a prosperous future.
