Raila Takes a Stand: Vows to Lead Protests Against ‘Punitive’ Finance Bill
Raila Odinga, leader of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, says he will lead Kenyans in protesting the passage of the proposed Finance Bill, 2023, which he describes as punitive and a setback in the country’s effort to eradicate poverty.
Mr. Odinga, who visited the demolished Toi Market in Kibra on Sunday, criticized key aspects of the Bill, including the 16 percent tax on petroleum products, the housing levy, and insurance compensation.
Instead of requiring employees and employers to pay the 1.5 percent tax, the Azimio leader urged the government to initiate a national dialogue to discuss the contentious housing levy to persuade Kenyans to support the agenda.
“Hiyo Finance Bill ni kuweka msumari ya mwisho katika jeneza ya maiti…Finance Bill ikikuja hapa Wakenya watakuwa mahabusu wa kulipa ushuru pekee yake, hakuna mtu ambaye amekataza serikali kutoza ushuru, tayari iko pale msingi wa kutoa ushuru…serikali ya Uhuru ilikuwa inatoza watu ushuru na ilikuwa inafanya kazi,” he said.
The former premier, who called for a national dialogue to discuss the controversial proposals and find a way forward, stated that he will have no choice but to lead Kenyans into the streets to protest the punitive tax proposals if the government insists on passing the Finance Bill as is.
“Watapitisha hiyo Finance Bill…hiyo itakuwa ni parapanda, mtakuwa mko tayari? Jamaa alikuwa anaonya ati hakuna maandamano imekubaliwa…Bwana Kithure Kindiki…Katiba inasema ya kwamba wananchi ndio number one, wako na haki ya kuchagua na kunyakua, Wakenya watatumia haki yao. Hiyo ushuru kama unataka kuleta wacha watu waketi waelewane vizuri,” he noted.
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Mr. Odinga, who criticized Kenya Kwanza representatives for derailing the process during the bipartisan talks, stated that he will not relent in his efforts to have the IEBC servers opened.
Wednesday morning’s summit of Azimio leaders urged Members of Parliament, including those from Kenya Kwanza, to vote against the Finance Bill and save the con artists.
“We know that you know in your hearts that this budget is flawed. Strongly urge you to unite with your Azimio counterparts and support the people. We ask the mama mbogas, watu wa mjengo, watu wa boda boda, teachers, nurses, doctors, and vendors, among others, if this budget serves their welfare. Wycliffe Oparanya, the chairman of Azimio, proposed.
The opposition leaders also criticized the government for allegedly profiling youth from Mount Kenya in an attempt to discredit the region’s opposition to the Bill.
Martha Karua, leader of the Narc Kenya party, stated, “Stop profiling youths from Mount Kenya; this is intended to stifle any political activity in Mount Kenya, to intimidate us as leaders from Mount Kenya, and perhaps make us fearful of mobilizing.”
Usawa kwa Wote party boss Mwangi Wa Iria added: “Tutachukua hatua hata ya kuenda ya UN ili tuulize why are our youths being profiled, na mimi ningependa mawakili wetu waanze kutayarisha.”
The leaders stated that they have coerced their members into voting against the bill, and those who violate the coalition resolution will face disciplinary action.
Raila Takes a Stand: Vows to Lead Protests Against ‘Punitive’ Finance Bill
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