Finance Bill 2024: Gen-Z Brothers’ Protest Hopes Quashed by Mum’s Intervention

• A conflicted mother has expressed her concern after her two sons said they wanted to join the ant-Finance Bill 2024 protests
• The mother said she did not want to permit them after what transpired in the country, especially with many youths dying
• Jane Murimi Mugo, a family expert, told TUKO.co.ke said the woman could put her dilemma to bed if she talked to her kids

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Anonymous wrote:

"Hi, admin. Please hide my ID. So, my Gen Z sons wanted to join and still want to join the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests. As a mum, I am wary of the situation in the country, and any parent would understand my fears. However, they say they will be careful, and they would want to fight for their right. It has come to a point where they show me an attitude because of my reluctance to let them go. I am trying to protect them, but I do not know if they see that. They also have evidence of parents who have joined their kids in protests, and they say I am too fragile. Please advise."

Two young men cross arms around each other (l). Anti-Finance Bill protests in Kenya (r). Credit: Getty Images/Luis Tato, YazutoGirl. Source: Getty Images

Jane Murimi Mugo is a qualified relationship and marriage expert with over 12 years of experience in counselling. She is a published author of Caged and is working on another mental health book.

Sharing her expert advice on TUKO.co.ke, Mugo said she could resonate with the woman's fears and tight place.

She noted a parent who was not protective of their children, like a mother hen, probably did not love them.

"It would be important first to look into their age and character. Age plays a big role in such decisions because one can determine whether they are responsible or even understand about the protest. If she can, she should educate them on the bill and what the protests are about if the sons do not know. Having this understanding is important so that if she decides to let them go, they are going with a purpose and understanding of who they are doing what they are doing," she said.

Can anti-Finance Bill protests teach lessons?

Mugo, a counsellor, also noted that, at times, the experience was the best teacher and letting the sons attend the protests could teach them something positive.

"Sometimes words may not cut through, so action could be a better teacher. This is not to say the mother should let them go to teach them a lesson the hard way but with caution, like telling them not to be in the front but to take a back seat and stay far from trouble.

At times, talking to them would appear as though you are being difficult on them, so you bow to their request and let them experience what they ask for. Remember that even asking for permission shows they value their mum's sentiments. Otherwise, they would disappear without a trace," she highlighted.

It is a tough call, expert Mugo

Mugo from Nairobi advised the mum to weigh the options and consider all the possible outcomes, as either can be life-changing.

She acknowledged the mother's fears while understanding that her sons wanted something that did not sit well with their mother.

"Only a sitting with the boys would do more good than harm. Iron out the issue candidly if she deems they can reason with her. It is a tough call, but as a mum, you can follow your instincts, and also, you can say "yes" to your sons' request," she concluded.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is general and not intended to influence readers' decisions about solving their familial issues. They should always seek professional advice that considers their circumstances before deciding.

Do you have a story to tell? Do you want advice from an expert? Please email us at [email protected] with the subject line 'Ask an expert'.

Should parents snoop on their kids' phones?

In a separate story, a concerned mother disclosed her behaviour of snooping on her teenage daughter's mobile phone.

In her defence, the mother said she was only checking on who her precious daughter was talking to but sought advice if she was wrong to do it.

Mugo told TUKO.co.ke it would have been better for the mum not to give the daughter a phone than give her and go behind her back looking at her chats.

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