Nairobi Police: Azimio Coalition’s Anti-Finance Act Rally at Kamukunji Grounds Allowed
The newly enacted Finance Act will not prevent the Azimio coalition from holding a rally at Kamukunji grounds this afternoon, according to Nairobi police chief Adams Bungei.
“They made the necessary requests, which were granted. Mr. Bungei told Nation that we are permitting the meeting to take place and that there is no cause for alarm. The rally, titled “Kamukunji’s People’s Dialogue,” is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., following the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from Poland.
It aims to provide coalition supporters with a path forward following the passage of the controversial Finance Bill, which President William Ruto signed into law on Monday.
Kuria Kimani, chairman of the National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning Committee, pushed the bill through the legislature on Wednesday of last week, requiring Kenyans to dig deeper into their pockets to fund the Kenya Kwanza government’s first budget.
Majority of the opposition Except Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, at least 184 Kenya Kwanza MPs supported the Bill, while 88 MPs, primarily from the Opposition, opposed it.
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Today, a day after the passage of the bill, the co-principal of Azimio, Martha Karua, stated that Kenyans would be consulted on the next steps during a consultative meeting on Kamukunji grounds.
“We have decided to invite Kenyans to a consultation on the grounds of Kamukunji on Tuesday, June 27 at 10 a.m., where the next course of action will be determined. There will be no difference this time. We believe the voice of the people will ultimately prevail,” she said.
Resuming street protests, which were halted last month to pave the way for dialogue with the government, is one of the options available to the coalition in its fight against what it describes as the government’s ignorance of the plight of the majority of Kenyans who are already struggling.
Since then, the bipartisan talks have stalled, with each party accusing the other of impeding their progress.
The government has stated that any form of lawlessness, including business disruption, destruction of public and private property, and looting during protests, will not be tolerated.
Diversity of viewpoints CS Interior Professor Kithure Kindiki has asserted that Kenya is a democratic nation that respects the diversity of opinions and viewpoints on political, economic, and social issues, and he has urged those who are dissatisfied with the results of the election to seek redress in court.
Prof. Kindiki stated in Tharaka Nithi two weeks ago, “The Government will provide the necessary security support to those who wish to peacefully air their grievances and opinions regarding the ongoing debate over the Finance Bill 2023.”
Nairobi Police: Azimio Coalition’s Anti-Finance Act Rally at Kamukunji Grounds Allowed
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