Collage featuring President William Ruto and Julius Malema. IMAGE: President Ruto and Julius Malema /X
In Summary:
Julius Malema and the EFF express concern over the proposed 2024 Finance Bill in Kenya.
The EFF stands in solidarity with Kenyan protestors, urging the government to respect peaceful demonstrations and release detained protestors.
South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has called on the Kenyan government to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful protest in light of the controversial 2024 Finance Bill.
On Monday, June 24, the EFF issued a statement declaring their support for Kenyans demonstrating against the Finance Bill 2024. The party urged Kenyan authorities to de-escalate police presence and release all detained protestors.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes with great concern the recent events in Kenya surrounding the proposed 2024 Finance Bill. We stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya who are bravely protesting against this exploitative legislation that seeks to impose severe tax,” the EFF statement read.
Expressing alarm over the violent suppression of protestors, which resulted in at least 200 injuries and over 100 arrests, the EFF called for the immediate release of all those detained and for the government to respect the right to peaceful assembly.
Malema’s party praised the courage of the Kenyan protestors and vowed to continue supporting the struggle for economic justice.
The anti-finance bill demonstrations began last week on Tuesday, with many Kenyans, predominantly the youth, taking to the streets.
Further protests are planned for this week in opposition to the proposed tax measures.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, June 23,2024 President William Ruto expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the younger generation.