Azimio leader Raila Odinga has raised the alarm about the potential return of street protests in the new year unless the contentious Finance Act of 2023 is revoked. Speaking in Bondo on Saturday, Raila identified the Finance Act as the primary factor contributing to the escalating cost of living affecting the majority of Kenyans.
“We have stated that in the new year, this tax law must be removed, the Finance Act must be removed. If they don’t repeal the Finance Bill, we will go back to the streets,” Raila declared during a canoeing competition in his home constituency of Bondo.
The former Prime Minister accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of making false pre-campaign promises to immediately lower the cost of living upon assuming office. Raila characterized these promises as empty rhetoric aimed at winning votes, lamenting that the government has turned a deaf ear to the plight and suffering of the citizens.
Siaya Governor James Orengo echoed Raila’s sentiments, expressing the belief that citizens would not have suffered if Raila had been the president. Orengo voiced his support for the removal of the Finance Act.
Raila urged for weekly anti-government street protests starting March 20 to exert pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration for various changes, including reducing the cost of living. The previous protests had come to a halt after President William Ruto, on July 25, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised by the Opposition chief.
