The international hacker group and activist collective, Anonymous, has issued a stark warning to Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the controversial Finance Bill, 2024.
Shared via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the group’s message underlines their deep concern over the potential impacts of the proposed legislation, which they claim would impose heavy taxes on the Kenyan populace.
“It has come to our attention that there are discussions in parliament to pass the Finance Bill, which will unfairly tax the citizens of Kenya,” the message from Anonymous read.
The group’s involvement underscores the global resonance of local issues in an interconnected world where actions by governments can attract international scrutiny and intervention.
Anonymous further criticized the Kenyan authorities for their handling of public dissent, stating that peaceful demonstrations by citizens have been met with police harassment and arrests.
This claim highlights the growing tension between the government and its people, who are increasingly frustrated with economic measures they deem punitive.
“Fortunately, several phone numbers belonging to members of parliament are circulating online.
Soon, there will be an uprising of hackers, many of whom may reside in your home country.
Your secrets may no longer be safe, and there is a chance that all these secrets will be exposed,” the group warned, signaling a potential cyber onslaught against the MPs.
This threat raises serious concerns about cybersecurity and the privacy of public officials, illustrating the lengths to which activist groups might go to enforce accountability.
Anonymous made it clear that their stance mirrors that of many Kenyans: they do not want the Finance Bill to be amended but rather rejected in its entirety.
The group urged the MPs to heed the voice of the people they represent, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement with the citizenry’s concerns.
“On Thursday, the 20th of June, Kenyans will march and #OccupyParliament. We do not want you to amend the Finance Bill; we want you to reject it. Listen to the cries of your citizens, or the people of the world will resist you every step of the way. Citizens of Kenya, do not worry, Tuko Pamoja,” Anonymous declared, invoking a powerful sense of solidarity and collective action.
The grassroots opposition to the Finance Bill has seen Kenyan youths take to the streets in protest.
Demonstrations began on Tuesday in Nairobi and continued on Wednesday in Mombasa, with more protests planned for Thursday in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Laikipia among other regions.
These protests reflect a broad-based discontent with the government’s fiscal policies and a call for more equitable economic measures.
The ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition made some concessions, including dropping certain taxes like the motor vehicle tax and eco levy.
However, a significant portion of the populace remains unsatisfied, demanding the complete rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024.
The situation in Kenya is a potent reminder of the delicate balance governments must maintain between necessary fiscal policy and public approval.
The intervention of Anonymous adds an unpredictable element to the equation, as the potential for cyber-attacks looms over the ongoing political struggle.
As the protests continue and the threat of data exposure grows, the Kenyan MPs face mounting pressure to respond decisively to the calls for justice and fairness from their constituents.
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