Stand with Kenyans: Azimio Calls on MPs to Support the Cause
Yesterday, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party appealed to Kenya Kwanza Alliance lawmakers to vote against the Finance Bill, 2023.
The opposition characterized the bill as “anti-people” and warned that its passage would make life intolerable for Kenyans. “Our legislators are mobilized, whipped, and aligned.
This anti-people bill will be rejected, the organization led by Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga said in a statement.
“We now appeal to you, the Kenya Kwanza MPs. We are aware that you know in your hearts that the proposed budget is flawed. Wycliffe Oparanya, chairman of the Azimio Executive Council, read the following statement: “We urge you to join your Azimio counterparts and stand with the people.”
The leaders urged ordinary Kenyans to resist while speaking to reporters at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi.
If they attempt to force this upon you, do not give up; do not surrender. Join us in our next planned course of action. We shall emerge stronger. We will prevail,” the party declared.
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Mr. Odinga, who was flanked by fellow Azimio luminaries. Narc-Kenya’s Martha Kama, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Mr. Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya. Jubilee Party’s Jeremiah Kioni, Usawa Party’s Mwangi Wa Ida, Roots Party’s George Wajackoyah among other leaders said their position against the Bill was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Azimio Summit and the technical team regarding the budget estimates.
Flawed bill
Mr. Oparanya stated of the budget proposal “only prolongs and exacerbates the suffering of the people” and that “after going through the document, our position remains that it is irredeemably flawed… no amount of amendments can redeem this Bill.”
The leaders of the coalition cautioned that the bill proposes to devolve fewer funds to counties. And instead request more funds for the federal government for functions that are currently devolved.
However, the budget proposal will negatively affect millions of Kenyans.
The leaders stated that there is a need to empower the private sector and allow it to be the engine of economic growth, but the Bill does not provide any avenues for boosting the sector due to its high tax proposals.
ALSO READ: Finance Bill 2023 Surges Ahead: Overwhelming Support as 176 MPs Back, 81 Oppose in Second Reading
Ms. Kama stated that Mr. Azimio was passionate about extending a helping hand, especially to single mothers and young people, and warned that the proposed legislation would only harm these vulnerable groups.
“We are devoted to expanding access to quality education and ensuring that no child falls behind. This bill will reduce these opportunities, she stated.
The coalition also accused President William Ruto’s administration of dividing, stigmatizing, and threatening a portion of Kenyans, particularly those from Mount Kenya, “to isolate Central so that the region does not fully engage in debating this bill.”
“They are categorizing our youth as Mungiki, drunkards, and drug addicts to prevent them from opposing this budget.”
Stand with Kenyans: Azimio Calls on MPs to Support the Cause
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