Raila Unveils Weekly Protests to Challenge Ruto’s Finance Bill and Demand Change
On Wednesday, June 7, the leader of the Azimio party, Raila Odinga, warned of the imminent return of nationwide protests.
Raila revealed at Chungwa House, following a meeting with Abagusii leaders, that the government, led by President William Ruto, had turned a deaf ear to the plight of Kenyans, leaving the opposition with no choice but to return to the streets.
He went on to accuse the President of riding the hustler narrative’s euphoria during the campaign and discarding it as soon as he took office.
This government self-identified as hustlers in tune with mama mbogas, boda bodas, and jua kali. Why have they altered their language at this time?” The ex-prime minister struck a pose.
Raila remarked that the true hustlers had grown weary of the escalating cost of living and were now prepared to oppose it.
“On Thursday, June 8, my fellow Azimio principals and I will provide direction regarding the controversial Finance Bill of 2023,” he stated.
He argued that the Head of State’s policies outlined in the Finance Bill 2023 exacerbated rather than resolved problems facing the Kenyan populace.
ALSO READ: A Bold Offer: Raila’s 10 Solutions to Ruto for Governing, Recommending Dropping Finance Bill
He cited the price of maize flour, noting that Ruto, who had pledged to reduce the cost as soon as he assumed office, had failed to do so, and that the price was still rising alongside the crucial oil price.
“He (Ruto) promised that the price of Unga would drop from Ksh200 to Ksh70 once he put down the Bible.
“They are currently introducing a Finance Bill. “Leaving aside the housing levy, there are other taxes in that bill that, if enacted, would skyrocket the cost of living,” Raila explained, justifying the need for government intervention.
Therefore, he warned that if parliamentarians pass the bill in its current form, the opposition will take to the streets in protest.
“The government will present the bill to the legislature on June 8 and the budget on June 15. If they pass the Finance Bill, there will be protests in every corner of the nation, he warned.
Ruto’s plan to stabilize the economy and reduce the cost of living is contingent upon the passage of the Finance Bill 2023 and the subsequent budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
According to the government, the purpose of the Finance Bill is to raise funds for the implementation of Ruto’s manifesto, which includes affordable housing, industrialization, and a reduction in the cost of living.
ALSO READ: Ndindi Nyoro Grilled Over Ruto’s Conflicting Statements
The budget reading on Thursday, June 15, will mark the first time President Ruto’s administration will operate on its budget.
Currently, Kenya is utilizing funds allocated for the 2022/2023 fiscal year by the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
If the former prime minister follows through on his threats, his announcement will mark the return of protests two months after he halted demonstrations by bipartisan negotiations between his team and the federal government.
Raila Odinga halted demonstrations on Sunday, April 2 to facilitate dialogue between the opposition and the government, which was facilitated by a bipartisan parliamentary committee.
Wednesday, May 31st, Azimio indefinitely suspended the negotiations, citing a lack of goodwill from their Kenya Kwanza counterparts.
Raila Unveils Weekly Protests to Challenge Ruto’s Finance Bill and Demand Change
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