Opposition leader Raila Odinga has initiated the collection of 10 million signatures, expressing that Kenyans are exhausted after the approval of the Finance Bill, which has caused a significant increase in commodity prices.
Odinga is determined to restore power to the people through constitutional means.
Speaking at a Saba Saba rally in Kamukunji on Friday, Odinga emphasized, “The Constitution states that power belongs to the people. Today, we are commencing the collection of ten million signatures, and we will have them by the end of next week.”
Following his speech in Kamukunji, Odinga called upon his supporters to join him in a march towards Central Park. However, the crowd was met with teargas, and the police attempted to disrupt Odinga’s convoy, resulting in chaotic scenes.
Undeterred, Odinga stated, “The time for talks is over, and we must take action now. We will act within the bounds of the law by collecting 10 million signatures to reclaim power for the people.”
Kenya Kwanza politicians have strongly criticized the court’s decision to suspend the implementation of the controversial Finance Bill 2023.
Led by water cabinet secretary Alice Wahome, they argue that the court failed to consider the opinions of the majority and instead reacted to the petition of a single litigant.
During a Thanksgiving event in a Murang’a church for one of the officials in the office of the interior cabinet secretary, Charles Karundo, the leaders expressed their concerns.
They stated that halting the implementation of the bill would hinder the government’s commitment to achieving the goals outlined in the 2023/2024 financial budget.
Wahome emphasized the need for the executive, led by the President, to receive support from other branches of the government in order to successfully implement projects aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans. She pointed out that by suspending the bill, the government would have limited resources, as taxes are the main source of funds.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro stated that the implementation of the Sh. 3.69 trillion budget relies on the finance bill. While respecting the judiciary’s independence, he asserted their right to appeal the court’s ruling on the bill.
Nyoro accused opposition leaders of deliberately obstructing the government’s operations, claiming that some of the budget programs were intended to uplift the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Several other Members of Parliament, including Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), Njuguna Kawambui (Gatundu North), and John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), vowed to employ legal means to ensure the implementation of the bill.
Kenya Kwanza politicians argued that Kenyans expect the government to stabilize commodity prices and lower the cost of living.
President William Ruto took action last Monday and assented to the Finance Bill 2023 following the approval of tax measures by lawmakers. The aim of these measures is to generate funds for the Sh3.6 trillion budget.
Last Wednesday night, Members of Parliament endorsed President Ruto’s proposed Finance Bill, 2023. This budget marks the first for the Kenya Kwanza administration, which has prioritized the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda with its five pillars.
The Sh3.6 trillion budget seeks to strike a delicate balance between debt servicing and economic stabilization. It allocates Sh1.5 trillion for recurrent expenditure, Sh718 billion for development, and Sh986 billion for servicing public debt.
The Bill successfully passed after the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee chairman, Kuria Kimani, conducted the third reading.
As a result, Kenyans will now have to allocate more of their resources to finance President Ruto’s initial budget as the Head of State.
Opiyo Wandayi has issued a stern warning to the Kenya Kwanza government, urging them to brace themselves for an imminent wave of relentless mass action.
The National Assembly minority leader, made this declaration during the ODM party delegate meeting in Nyatike Sub County on Monday, emphasizing that the Azimio team is prepared to initiate a formidable campaign that will show no signs of abating.
Image: Standard
In light of the burdening taxation imposed by the government, Wandayi vehemently asserted that they cannot idly stand by while Kenyans suffer. The people of Kenya are determined to resist the government’s endeavor to further burden them with excessive taxes.
“We are embarking on a new journey at Kamukunji… Much has been said, but we have now reached a crucial juncture where we must seek guidance from the people. The journey that begins at Kamukunji may prove unstoppable. Depending on the people’s response, it has the potential to revolutionize the political landscape of our nation,” stated the minority leader resolutely.
Supporting Opiyo Wandayi’s stance, ODM party chairman John Mbadi echoed his sentiments, asserting that excessively taxing citizens would not facilitate the Kenya Kwanza government in generating funds for national development.
Mbadi highlighted the precarious path the government is treading, jeopardizing the livelihoods of civil servants by depleting their salaries.
“No economy can flourish by overburdening its citizens with exorbitant taxes. This Kenya Kwanza government is encroaching upon the livelihoods of civil servants, and we are teetering on treacherous ground,” cautioned Mbadi.
Both leaders called upon grassroots ODM party members to fortify the party’s foundations to ensure its unwavering strength as the foremost political entity in the country.
In protest of the recently enacted Finance Bill 2023, signed into law by President Ruto on Monday, the Azimio la Umoja coalition will hold a public Baraza at Kamukunji grounds today. This meeting will serve as a platform for expressing dissatisfaction with the legislation that has placed an onerous burden on the Kenyan populace.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his optimism regarding the benefits the Mount Kenya region will receive from the proposals in the Finance Bill 2023. Speaking at a Farmers Field Day in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Gachagua highlighted the allocation of a significant amount of funds aimed at completing stalled development projects in the region.
Gachagua emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges in the area, particularly in regard to roads. He stated, “If there is a region that has been considered in the Finance Bill, it’s Mount Kenya.
To start with, our Mau Mau roads had come to a standstill due to lack of funds. Additionally, projects in Kiambu and Githunguri were also halted. In this year’s budget, we have allocated Ksh250 billion, and now our roads will continue to be built.”
The deputy president further highlighted the agricultural sector’s benefits, specifically for farmers in the region. He noted that the Finance Bill 2023 would zero-rate commodities such as animal feeds, resulting in reduced prices and increased benefits for farmers.
Gachagua also mentioned the elimination of value-added tax (VAT) on tea and the zero-rating of tea packaging, illustrating the government’s commitment to supporting the tea industry.
Expressing his gratitude, Gachagua acknowledged the lawmakers from the region for their overwhelming support of the Finance Bill 2023. Their votes in favor of the proposed law contributed to its success during the Second Reading in the National Assembly. Out of the 257 participating MPs, 176 voted in favor of the bill, with 81 opposing it.
In addition to the financial benefits, Gachagua pledged to tackle cartels in the coffee and tea sectors, aiming to increase farmers’ income. By addressing the challenges posed by these cartels, the deputy president demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural community and ensuring fair practices within the industry.
The Finance Bill 2023 has cleared the Second Reading and is now set for consideration by the committee of the whole House on June 20. The bill must be passed by June 30 to take effect on July 1.
The proposed measures in the Finance Bill 2023 highlight the government’s focus on addressing key development and economic concerns in the Mount Kenya region.
By allocating significant funds to infrastructure projects and implementing beneficial policies for farmers, the bill aims to enhance the region’s growth and prosperity.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to receive further attention and scrutiny to ensure that the proposed benefits are effectively realized.
