Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio coalition and former Prime Minister of Kenya, has issued a strong statement calling for the suspension of the Finance Bill and an end to the government’s violent response to protests. Odinga expressed deep concern over the deadly crackdown on young, peaceful protesters who are exercising their constitutional rights.
Odinga highlighted that the situation in Kenya has reached unprecedented levels of tension and violence. Matters that could have been addressed through dialogue have escalated into serious conflicts, something not seen in the country’s 61-year history since independence. Odinga emphasized that the government’s refusal to engage in dialogue has led to unnecessary bloodshed.
The Azimio leader criticized the violent actions of the police, who have been arresting, detaining, and surveilling young protesters. These protesters, who are mainly young boys and girls, are speaking out against taxation policies they believe are jeopardizing their future. Odinga condemned the use of force against these youths, who are simply demanding their right to be heard.
Odinga lamented the government’s failure to show goodwill and humility. He noted that instead of listening to the concerns of the country’s youth, government officials and ruling party politicians have dismissed and ridiculed dissenting opinions. This dismissive attitude has now escalated to violence and murder, a situation Odinga finds unacceptable.
The former Prime Minister pointed out that the government’s actions suggest a suspension of the constitution, which cannot be tolerated. He insisted that the use of brute force against the country’s children must stop immediately. Odinga stressed that Kenya cannot afford to kill its children, who are only asking for basic needs like food, jobs, and a fair hearing.
Odinga called for the police to cease shooting at innocent, peaceful, and unarmed protesters. He acknowledged the deep and widespread grievances of the protesting youths, noting that the immediate trigger for the protests is the Finance Bill. According to Odinga, this bill is not an emergency or a life-and-death matter for the government or the people of Kenya.
He reminded Kenyans of a similar situation in the past, when the Jubilee government suspended a provision in the Finance Bill after a standoff in Parliament. At that time, the government agreed to revert to the old Finance Act until a consensus was reached. Odinga argued that the current government could do the same by suspending the current Finance Bill and continuing with the previous year’s Finance Act.
Odinga proposed that the first step towards resolving the impasse and stopping the violence is for the government to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the Finance Bill and open up a dialogue. He also called for an end to the violence perpetrated by government agencies and for the arrest of police officers who have killed protesters.
Odinga warned that without these initial steps, the current situation is unlikely to improve, and Kenyans will not stand by while police continue to harm their children. He urged the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations to intervene in the unfolding crisis in Kenya to save lives and stabilize the country.
Finally, Odinga expressed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and affirmed his solidarity with them in the struggle for justice and economic liberation. He underscored the importance of addressing the youth’s concerns to ensure a better future for all Kenyans.
Raila Odinga is the ODM party leader and a former Prime Minister of Kenya.
Mass Protests Erupt Across Kenya Against Finance Bill
In related news, large crowds have taken to the streets in various towns and cities across Kenya to protest against the proposed Finance Bill 2024. Demonstrators are voicing their opposition to the bill, which they believe will negatively impact their economic future.
A heavy police presence has been deployed to key government installations, including the State House. Police were also spotted on the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District and other major towns across the country.
Key Government Areas Protected
Several key roads leading to Parliament buildings in Nairobi have been closed off by security officers. Roads such as Parliament Road and City Hall Way are shut down to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as part of intensified security measures. Police water cannons and lorries serve as barricades at major roundabouts leading to Parliament, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
At State House, an elite Reece squad of the General Service Unit, equipped with armored police tankers, has taken positions outside the main gate in anticipation of potential demonstrations.
Cities and Towns Participating in Protests
The protests have spread to numerous cities and towns, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri, Kisii, Taita Taveta, Turkana, Nyamira, Narok, Marsabit, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Homa Bay, Nyandarua, Kwale, Bungoma, Tana River, Murang’a, Makueni, Trans Nzoia, and Thika.
Nairobi
In Nairobi, running battles ensued as police dispersed anti-Finance Bill protesters in the Central Business District. Demonstrators, armed with water and mobile phones, gathered as early as 7 am around the Kenya National Archives. Shops closed as the protests gained momentum, and police fired teargas to disperse the crowds.
Eldoret
In Eldoret, youths gathered in various areas ahead of the planned protests. Riot police took positions, and hundreds of officers were deployed to monitor the situation. The Uasin Gishu county government headquarters had heightened security.
Mombasa
Thousands of young protesters took to the streets of Mombasa’s central business district. Mobilized over the weekend via social media, demonstrators from various sub-counties gathered at strategic points before converging in the city. Despite a police presence, protests continued without interference, disrupting traffic on major roads.
Kisumu
In Kisumu, peaceful protesters marched through the city’s streets with placards, songs, and chants against President William Ruto. Gathered at Kondele grounds, the youths moved in groups, leading to a shutdown of businesses and transportation.
Nakuru
Hundreds of youths in Nakuru protested against the Finance Bill. They gathered at the Nakuru Railways Station before marching to the central business district. The demonstration saw groups carrying placards and twigs, chanting anti-Finance Bill slogans. A significant police presence monitored the protests.
Major Incidents
Thika Road Blocked
Thika Road, one of Nairobi’s major highways, was brought to a standstill as thousands of protesters voiced their opposition to the Finance Bill.
Police Fire Tear Gas
Police in Nairobi fired tear gas inside a public service vehicle during the protests. Passengers were seen seeking safety through the windows, and bystanders attempted to assist them.
Kericho Protests
In Kericho, residents joined the protests and pulled down a UDA wheelbarrow symbol at a petrol station, singing anti-government songs.
Parliament Clashes
Protesters attempted to access the Parliament buildings, leading to clashes with police who fired tear gas. Several protesters were reportedly shot outside Parliament as tensions escalated.
Police Lorry Torched
A police lorry went up in flames outside Parliament Buildings as demonstrators clashed with police. Protesters eventually entered Parliament, setting a section of it on fire and burning several police vehicles.
Supreme Court Aid
Supreme Court staff and lawyers assisted demonstrators with water as they approached Parliament, despite police resistance and teargas being fired inside the Holy Family Basilica where the Red Cross was providing emergency treatment.
Eldoret Violence
In Eldoret, the county court and enforcement offices were torched during the protests. Demonstrators also vandalized and looted a club associated with MP Oscar Sudi.
The situation remains volatile, with ongoing updates expected as protests continue across the country.
