Opposition leader Raila Odinga has issued an ultimatum to the government to either repeal the Finance Act 2023 or face the return of demonstrations in 2024.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader made these remarks on Saturday, December 30 while speaking in Nyanza.
According to Odinga, the implementation of taxation measures as stipulated in the act has led to an increase in the cost of living for struggling Kenyans.
As such, the opposition leader gave the President William Ruto-led administration an ultimatum to either remove the taxes or they would bring back maandamano in 2024.
“We want the finance bill revoked, if the fail to do so we will go back to the streets,” he added.
Further, Raila criticized the government for not fulfilling promises made to Kenyand during the campaign season.
Also Read: Raila Odinga’s List of Demands to President Ruto
“Kenyans have suffered in 2023 due to failed promises made by the Kenya Kwanza regime, they said hustlers would benefit from tis regime but that was all lies” Raila stated.
Raila Odinga 2023 Protests
Nonetheless, the opposition had earlier in the year called for anti-government protests over the cost of living, electoral reforms among other issues.
The nationwide demonstrations held between March and April led to massive destruction of property and loss of lives.
This birthed the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that sought to find a middle ground for the opposition and government.
However, a section of Kenyans and leaders from the Azimio coalition were not satisfied with the NADCO report which addressed a raft of issues including……..
According to Azimio, some of the irreducible minimums included lowering the cost of living by revoking the taxes stipulated by the government.
The opposition had initially called off the protests paving way for bipartisan talks through the National Dialogue Committee, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Furthermore, a section of Azimio supporters had urged Raila to call for the return of mass protests in an attempt to force the government to renege on some of their policies.
Also Read: Win for Ruto as Supreme Court Dismisses Finance Act Case
After a series of meetings, the committee presented the report to President William Ruto who agreed with the recommendations.
However, Raila Odinga while reacting to the report noted that he agreed with the findings although with some reservations.
These recommendations are set to be deliberated in Parliament in January 2024 before they are adopted.
