Anonymous Issues Ominous Warning to Kenyan Government Over Controversial Finance Bill

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Kenyan Occupy Parliament conversation, Anonymous, the decentralized international activist and hacktivist collective, has issued a stern warning to the President and Parliament of Kenya regarding the contentious Finance Bill, 2024. This intervention was delivered through a one-minute, seventeen-second video posted on their X account, which boasts over 5 million followers.

The video, delivered in Anonymous' characteristic voice, directly addressed President William Ruto and the Kenyan Government, making their stance clear and unequivocal. The message began with a global greeting: "Greetings, Citizens of the world. This is a warning message to William Ruto, the Kenyan Government, and all members of parliament from Anonymous. 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."

Anonymous Issues Ominous Warning to Kenyan Government Over Controversial Finance Bill

Anonymous highlighted the government's oppressive response to peaceful demonstrations against the bill: "Kenyan citizens attempting peaceful demonstrations are being unfairly harassed, arrested, and shot at with live bullets by the police force under your command."

The collective also noted that legislators' phone numbers were circulating online, hinting at potential cyber-attacks: "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 to show how corrupt and unjust members of this parliament are, embezzling public funds for personal gain."

Anonymous warned that if the Kenyan Parliament did not heed the people's cries, the resistance could lead to disastrous results. "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," they declared. "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! We are Anonymous, We are Legion, Expect us!"

This is not the first time Anonymous has targeted governments or organizations accused of corruption and injustice. The collective has a long history of high-profile cyber-attacks, including breaches of major corporations like Sony and PayPal, and government entities such as the CIA and the Church of Scientology. They also played a significant role in the Arab Spring protests, which led to the toppling of several dictators in the Arab world.

However, this marks Anonymous' first significant foray into Kenyan political affairs. Known for their Guy Fawkes masks and use of voice changers or text-to-speech programs to maintain anonymity, members of the collective—referred to as anons—are preparing to support the Kenyan people in their struggle against the Finance Bill.

On Thursday, June 20, Kenyans across the country are expected to take to the streets to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill, 2024. Protests have been confirmed in various towns and all major cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. As the nation braces for what promises to be a significant day of civil action, all eyes will be on how the government responds to this mounting pressure, both from its citizens and the global watchdog, Anonymous.