Difference between Thursdays and Tuesdays protest

Kenyans took to the streets in protest against the Finance Bill 2024 and its proposed taxes, organizing 'Occupy Parliament' demonstrations over two days so far: Tuesday and Thursday.

Despite sharing the same goal, the two days differed significantly in attendance.

Thursday's protests saw a massive turnout compared to Tuesday. Fearless Kenyans flooded the streets of Nairobi CBD and other locations in explosively large numbers.

The presence of celebrities was notably higher on Thursday than on Tuesday as well.

Location

On Tuesday, Kenyan youth protested exclusively in Nairobi CBD, despite having designated meeting points.

However, Thursday's protests expanded to various locations nationwide, spanning 19 out of the 47 counties.

Participating counties included Nairobi, Eldoret in Uasin Gishu, Kondele in Kisumu, Nakuru, Garissa, Nyali in Mombasa, Nyeri, Meru, Nanyuki, Isiolo, Kisii, among others.

Deaths

On Tuesday, the protests resulted in few incidents apart from arrests of protestors and activists by the police.

One policeman also injured his hand, resulting in the loss of fingers while handling teargas.

However, Thursday witnessed more serious incidents, including the tragic death of a young protestor named Rex who was allegedly shot.

Another young protestor reportedly suffered severe injuries during a police altercation.

An international journalist covering the protests was also shot in the head but survived.

Over 200 protestors were injured, a significant increase from Tuesday, with medics on-site treating numerous patients throughout the day.

Drama

Drama unfolded on Tuesday when a group of women protesting Nairobi demolitions near Parliament Road got caught in the chaos involving Finance Bill protesters.

Seeking refuge, some protestors sought shelter and food at Java restaurant, where they later thanked the watchman with gifts for opening the doors for them.

However, Thursday's events surpassed Tuesday in terms of drama that went viral online. Protestors were seen climbing street and traffic light poles, with one mimicking the pose of Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Some protestors brought speakers, playing music that they later danced to on the streets. Another protestor carried water to help others affected by teargas wash their faces.

Additionally, a video circulated showing protestors cheering policemen in their Land Cruiser as they shared a lighthearted moment.