Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has announced that they will hold a public rally at Kamukunji grounds on Tuesday, June 27.
The Raila Odinga-led coalition on Thursday, June 22 in a statement read by Martha Karua noted that they will discuss the next course of action during the rally after MPs passed the Finance Bill 2023.
Azimio la Umoja leaders, including Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and other financial experts, will attend the forum to debunk the tax hikes and discuss the national budget.
“We saw what happens when a rogue and uncaring Head of the Executive decides that the only thing that matters is his ego, fantasies, corruption, and cronies’ agenda.” Karua stated.
“We also learnt the hard way that this illegitimate regime can ignore the people, their feelings, fears, circumstances, hopes and aspirations and force its agenda on them. That is what Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza followers did with the passage of the Finance Bill, 2023. Ignoring the wishes of a majority of Kenyans signals the era of dictatorship. Kenyans beware,” she added.
In the statement, Azimio reported that Kenyans will be given an opportunity to ask questions and share their opinions on the Finance Bill.
Karua further said the public forum is part of the coalition’s efforts to engage with the public on key economic issues as it deliberates whether to return to nationwide protests.
“We say sorry to the millions of Kenyans who are struggling to come to terms with the harsh reality. We know many of you think this is a nightmare that will fizzle out.” Reads part of the statement.
Also Read: MPs Pass Proposed Finance Bill 2023 with Amendments
“Unfortunately, it is here with us, and here to stay, unless we act now. The Ruto regime ensured that the wishes of the people were ignored. Instead, he retained punitive taxes on fuel, housing, turnover, mobile money transfer and salaries, among others,” Azimio la Umoja statement further reads.
Azimio further echoed that it would push the Kenya Kwanza administration to ensure that the Finance Bill and the national budget reflect the needs of Kenyans.
The opposition also claimed the finance bill will lead to hyperinflation as food prices will skyrocket.
“Where there has been inflation, we must now prepare for hyperinflation. With the new raft of taxes approved yesterday, we must prepare that money, even the little that we remained with, will vanish.” The statement reads.
