As protests over the Finance Bill 2024 intensify, the famed hacktivist group Anonymous has issued a warning to President William Ruto and Kenya’s administration.
In a video statement posted on their X page, which has 5.1 million followers, Anonymous criticized the government’s attempt to approve a measure that they claim will unfairly tax Kenyans.
“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 group said.
This comes at a time when the Finance Bill 2024 has been widely opposed by Kenyans.
Critics claim that the bill’s proposed taxes, which include increased VAT on vital products like bread, higher excise costs on petrol, and new levies on mobile money transactions, will disproportionately affect the poor and middle class, worsening the already high cost of living.
“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 added.
Origin of Anonymous hacker group
The origin of the Anonymous hacker group is rooted in internet culture and activism.
It emerged around 2003 on imageboards like 4chan, where users would post anonymously.
The group gained prominence in the late 2000s for its hacking activities against various targets, often motivated by perceived injustices or as a form of protest.
Anonymous became more organized around 2008, using a signature Guy Fawkes mask from the graphic novel and film V for Vendetta as its symbol.
This symbolizes their anti-establishment and anti-authoritarian stance.
The group is known for cyber attacks against government institutions, corporations, and other entities they perceive as corrupt or oppressive.
Anonymous operates in a decentralized manner, with no formal hierarchy or leadership structure.
Anyone can claim to be part of Anonymous by acting under its banner, which has led to a wide range of activities and causes being associated with the group.
Notable achievements
Anonymous has garnered attention through numerous impactful actions over the years. One of their earliest significant campaigns was Project Chanology in 2008, which targeted the Church of Scientology.
This operation included DDoS attacks, protests, and the dissemination of critical information about Scientology after the church attempted to suppress a leaked video featuring Tom Cruise.
In 2010, Anonymous launched Operation Payback in response to legal actions against file-sharing sites like The Pirate Bay and WikiLeaks.
This operation involved DDoS attacks against the websites of organizations involved in these legal actions, showcasing Anonymous’ capability to mobilize in defense of internet freedom.
During the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, Anonymous provided technical support and circumvented government censorship in countries like Tunisia and Egypt, aiding protesters in their efforts for political change.
Their involvement demonstrated their ability to assist grassroots movements through online activism.
Anonymous has also targeted ISIS and other extremist groups.
Following the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015, Anonymous declared cyber war on ISIS, launching operations to disrupt their online presence by targeting websites and social media accounts affiliated with the group.
Operation Icarus in 2016 saw Anonymous targeting major financial institutions worldwide to protest against global financial inequality.
These actions underscored their ability to challenge powerful entities through cyber means, aiming to bring attention to economic disparities.
Another notable contribution has been in combating online child exploitation.
Anonymous members have infiltrated and exposed websites hosting child pornography, leading to the shutdown of these illegal operations and contributing to law enforcement efforts.
More recently, Anonymous has shown solidarity with global movements for democracy and human rights.
In 2019, they expressed support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, providing internet security guides and launching cyber attacks against Chinese government websites to protest against perceived authoritarian actions.
Throughout their history, Anonymous has targeted various government agencies, corporations, and institutions they perceive as engaging in corruption, censorship, or unethical practices.
These actions have sparked debates about the ethics and effectiveness of hacktivism in promoting social and political change, highlighting Anonymous’ role as a significant player in the realm of online activism.
