Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, has cautioned about the potential resurgence of street protests in the coming year if the contentious Finance Act of 2023 is not repealed. Speaking in Bondo on Saturday, Raila attributed the escalating cost of living affecting a majority of Kenyans to the Finance Act.
“We have said that in the new year, this tax law must be removed, the Finance Act must be removed. If they don’t repeal the Finance Bill, we will return to the streets,” Raila declared during a canoeing competition in his home constituency of Bondo.
Raila accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of making false pre-campaign promises to lower the cost of living immediately after assuming office. He characterized these pledges as empty rhetoric designed to secure votes, asserting that the government has ignored the plight and suffering of its citizens.
Siaya Governor James Orengo echoed Raila’s sentiments, expressing belief that things would have been different had Raila been the president. Orengo voiced support for the removal of the Finance Act.
Raila proposed initiating weekly anti-government street protests starting March 20 to exert pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration for various changes, including a reduction in the cost of living. Previous protests had ceased after President William Ruto, on July 25, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised by the Opposition chief.