One week after the phone numbers of Kenyan government officials were leaked online, the hacker group Anonymous has issued a threat to expose “corrupt deals involving members of parliament (MPs)” if they vote to pass the 2024 Finance Bill on Thursday.
Anonymous, founded in 2003, aims to raise mass awareness and inspire revolution against what it perceives as corrupt entities while maintaining its members’ anonymity. The group has been linked to Distributed Denial Of Service (DDoS) attacks on the websites of the Nigerian, Tunisian and Zimbabwean governments.
“There is a chance that all these secrets will be exposed to show how corrupt and unjust members of parliament are, embezzling funds for personal gain,” Anonymous warned MPs on X.
The 2024 Finance Bill, which proposes tax hikes on essentials like bread and sanitary towels, has faced widespread criticism. Many Kenyans, already burdened by rising living costs, fear the new taxes will exacerbate their financial struggles.
Initially, the complaints were voiced online but soon escalated into street protests. Hundreds of Kenyans attempted to storm the Parliament in Nairobi, reminiscent of the 2023 protests over living costs.
MPs supporting the bill argue that the most controversial taxes, including those on motor vehicles and eco-tax, have been removed.
However, opposing lawmakers and Anonymous are calling for the bill to be scrapped entirely. “We do not want you to amend the Finance Bill; we want you to reject it,” the group posted on X.
On Tuesday, hundreds of young Kenyans led nationwide protests. Demonstrations have spread to other major cities, including Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret—one of President William Ruto’s strongholds. Police have surrounded Nairobi’s Parliament buildings, the focal point of the second round of #OccupyParliament protests.
The debate on the bill resumed Thursday morning. Amendments are expected by the afternoon, with a vote scheduled for Thursday evening. MPs will discuss and vote on amendments for the third reading on June 25.
