Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has cautioned politicians opposing the proposed Finance Bill 2023 against protests and destruction of property.
While speaking on Sunday, June 11, the Interior CS stated that resorting to demonstrations and causing damage to public and private property is not a constructive way to address complaints on proposed tax measures.
CS Kindiki called on politicians to handle the Finance Bill 2023 issue in parliament, adding that those who suffer defeat should seek redress in courts.
Moreover, as he acknowledged the right to peaceful demonstrations and freedom of expression, the CS said the state underscores the importance of exercising these rights responsibly and within the confines of the law.
“We will not accept street protests, the destruction of people’s property and businesses, or a closure of roads. When there are disagreements on any matter; political, economic, or social, we must as a country learn to be democratic and use institutions to resolve such grievances,” he said.
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Likewise, the CS advised that any person aggrieved by the parliamentary outcome should use other institutions, such as the Judiciary to contest the decision(s).
Nonetheless, the proposed Finance Bill 2023 has been a subject of strong debate and disagreement between the opposition and the government.
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga warned of organizing countrywide protests to oppose the bill.
“We have told Ruto that he needs to rectify things in his budget or else he knows what we will subsequently do next,” he said.
In addition, President William Ruto has been mobilizing support in the National Assembly to ensure the timely passage of his first budget, scheduled for reading on June 15, 2023.
