Azimio Leader Raila Odinga delivering a speech at a previous event. PHOTO: RAILA ODINGA
In Summary:
- Raila Odinga praised Kenyans for protesting against the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
- The Azimio coalition criticized the government’s tactics and proposed amendments to the Bill.
ODM leader Raila Odinga commended Kenyans who took to the streets of the Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday to protest the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
Expressing his pride, Raila reshared a video of a young Kenyan protester who claimed to represent him during the demonstrations.
“I’m a very proud father today!” Raila captioned the video on X. “Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights!”
The video, which gained thousands of reshared by Tuesday evening, featured a female protester praising the former Prime Minister for his advocacy for Kenyan rights.
“Agwambo, this is a message for you,” a TikToker known only as @doitlikeanini said in the video. “Usitokee, we saw what you did for Kenya; stay at home, and let us… tunatoka on your behalf.”
Meanwhile, the Azimio coalition lauded Kenyans for their participation in the protests, asserting in a media statement that the citizens’ power had pressured parliament members and government officials, leading to the current ‘climbdown’.
The coalition also criticized what they described as the administration’s ‘mind games,’ suggesting that some dropped proposals were deliberately included to incite anger.
“The changes to the Bill announced today give the impression that the government is playing mind games with citizens,” stated Minority Party Leader Opiyo Wandayi.
“They create the feeling that some of the proposals now dropped were included in the initial bill just to create outrage and give the administration the opportunity to claim to be listening and caring.”
The Azimio coalition has suggested further amendments to the Bill, including the removal of a 10% export promotion levy on clinkers used in cement production, arguing it would hinder competition in favor of a specific investor.
“As a country, we will be shooting ourselves in the foot if we make laws just to protect one business person,” the statement reads. “The Export Promotion Levy must be dropped.”
Additionally, the coalition wants the proposed increase of the fuel levy by Ksh9 per liter removed from the Bill, emphasizing that without the movement of goods and people, there will be no economy.
MPs are set to hold a special session on Thursday to discuss the contentious Bill, which is scheduled for a vote next Tuesday.