Raila Threatens Mass Action, Calls for Immediate Review of the Finance Bill, 2023

Azimio has issued a stern list of demands for Ruto's administration to consider if they want the legislative bill proposing changes in tax plans to be supported. 

While responding to Ruto's tax proposals, Mr Odinga threatened the resumption of mass action in the event the National Assembly force the Finance Bill on Kenyans. He said that the taxpayers are already burdened and that the Azimio coalition will mobilise all social sectors in combating the proposed tax amendments. Speaking at Stoni Athi in Machakos County, the opposition leader stated that the tax proposals will deal a severe blow to the middle-class Kenyans who will fumble in paying more taxes. 

“We will have no options but to mobilise all the social sectors and take all necessary political actions to stop this blow and burden. Punda imechoka. The most tangible results of this Bill will be the incorporation of most Kenyans into the ranks of the poor,” he said.

The Azimio boss called for an urgent evaluation of the bill to consider the interest of the embattled Kenyans. He mentioned that the government should move in speed in addressing structural faults in the economy rather than burden Kenyans with more taxes. Raila also called on the Kenya Kwanza government to address the issue of a depreciating shilling. He further warned against the government's alleged tendency to compromise institutions tasked with fighting corruption, collecting revenue and prosecuting crimes. 

When news reporters asked about his handshake with President Ruto at the burial of Ms Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua, Kip Keino Classic on Saturday and the Mashemeji derby at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, Mr Odinga said that they met by chance, terming their encounter as nothing political.