Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has defended Azimio protests saying opposition leader Raila Odinga is only using the protests to provide a solution for Kenyans who are struggling with the climbing rates of taxation imposed by the government in the contentious 2023 Finance Bill.
This is after Azimio leader Raila Odinga said that he will not relent in his fight against the high taxation laws until the government considers their submission and revises the bill.
While speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, June 29, Maanzo said Azimio’s only complaint is the burden of high taxes at a time when the country is stumbling from the skyrocketing cost of living.
“Taxes have to be paid and at no point has Azimio said taxes should not be paid but unfair taxes have to have a way to be dealt with,” he said.
“One of the ways to deal with unfair taxes is changing the government at the right time and Azimio is preparing to change this government. If you overtax a nation the people are unable to do business.” Maanzo added.
Moreover, the senator noted that the protests should not be interpreted as a conduit for economic sabotage, but rather as a steppingstone toward economic recovery.
The Makueni legislator also hinted that Azimio will be moving to court to challenge the bill.
“Out of the force which has been used to make this unfair law which in any event is being challenged in court, while we wait to challenge the law in court Kenyans can take measures to make sure that they are not unfairly taxed by avoiding using services where taxes are so punitive. Maanzo noted.
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“He is just giving a solution to Kenyans to avoid being overtaxed just that it was put in powerfully in the best way it can get so that it can get to Kenyans.” He stated.
Senator Maanzo’s sentiments comes after opposition leader Raila Odinga slammed the President for signing the Finance Bill 2023 into law despite calls by Kenyans to have it entirely dismissed.
Mr. Odinga who spoke during Azimio Rally at Kamukunji grounds on Tuesday said Ruto’s actions amount to tyranny, abuse of executive power and violation of human rights.
He also urged his supporters and loyalists to boycott Ruto’s government through civil disobedience.
