South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Party led by Julius Malema has voiced strong opinions regarding the political upheaval in Kenya.
EFF in a statement expressed solidarity with Kenyan youth who have vehemently opposed the Finance Bill 2024 backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
This bill, which proposed significant tax increases, has led to widespread unrest and calls for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Malema congratulated Kenyan youth for their “relentless struggle,” which successfully resulted in scrapping of the bill and the dissolution of President Ruto’s entire cabinet.
Malema on Government of National Unity
In addition, Malema condemned the Kenyan police’s use of intelligence organizations to suppress these protests, labeling the actions as human rights violations.
He highlighted the tragic loss of at least 50 lives since the protests began, showing the brutality faced by the demonstrators.
Malema was particularly critical of the Kenyan government’s proposal for a government of national unity, which includes opposition leader Raila Odinga, as a superficial measure to placate the masses.
Also Read: Gen Zs Fire Back at President Ruto’s Enough is Enough Warning
He urged Kenyan youth to remain resilient and steadfast until their demands for better governance and an end to corruption are fully met.
“The flimsy offer of a government of national unity with opposition forces is an attempt to placate the masses without addressing the core issues of corruption and misgovernance,” Malema stated.
“The youth of Kenya must remain steadfast and resilient until their legitimate demands are fully met,” he added.
Despite the Kenyan government’s attempts to ban demonstrations, including a failed police order to prohibit protests in Nairobi, the courts have upheld the right to protest, showing the resilience of the Kenyan people in defending their constitutional rights.
Message to South Africa Gen Zs
Also, EFF Party addressed the youth of South Africa, urging them to draw inspiration from their Kenyan counterparts.
Malema criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for dismissing concerns raised by young Members of Parliament during a recent debate, comparing Ramaphosa’s attitude to that of Ruto, who is facing increasing pressure to step down.
“The youth must gear up and prepare for the fight of their lives against the rising costs of living, commodified colonized education, unprecedented unemployment, and deteriorating minimum wage and working conditions,” Malema urged.
The EFF leader’s remarks come at a critical time as Kenya grapples with ongoing protests and political instability.
Malema’s support for the Kenyan youth protests and his call for South African youth to take similar action reflect the broader dissatisfaction with governance and economic conditions faced by young people across the continent.
Raila Ready to Drop My AU Bid
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced his willingness to give up his ambitions for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson post for the good of the country.
Also Read: I Am Ready to Drop My AU Bid to Support Gen Z – Raila
In a statement made on July 21, Odinga addressed allegations that he was bribed to form a Government of National Unity with President William Ruto, amid speculations that the government was manipulating his AUC ambitions.
He dismissed these claims terming them as “baseless propaganda” spread by detractors of the Azimio La Umoja, One Kenya Coalition
“The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false,” declared Raila.
Additionally, he reaffirmed his support for the ongoing Gen-Z protests, saying the movement was addressing real issues that his coalition raised last year but remain unresolved.
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