We're Ready for Demos if Finance Bill Passes- ODM Leaders Threaten

Five elected opposition figures have notified the government that they will initiate protests if the finance bill is passed without any amendments. 

On Friday, the ODM leaders convened in Awendo to hold a gathering for ODM delegates from the Awendo, Uriri, and Rongo constituencies. The purpose of the event was to bolster the party's presence at the grass root level. Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko and four lawmakers, Seme MP James Nyikal, Suna West MP Peter Masara, Awendo MP Walter Owino, and Minority Whip Opiyo Wandayi have stated that the executive is unduly pushing the bill and disregarding the public's opinion. Wandayi stressed that President William Ruto and his allies are failing to recognize Kenyans' resistance to the law. He emphasised that the high cost of living will oblige Kenyans to take to the streets.

“Among those contentious sections is the housing levy. Government should first think of controlling runaway taxes, tackle hunger and high cost of living otherwise they will be building houses for dead Kenyans,” Ayacko said. 

The Minority Whip declared that since Kenya Kwanza refused to attempt negotiations with the opposition in order to stifle demonstrations, passing the new bill would likely lead to further protests. Suna West legislature opined that the government had to be funded, but overtaxing Kenyans is not the right decision, especially with the economy in an unstable state.

Owino pointed out that President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua had benefited from loans and state subsidies to attain a university education, but instead of helping their fellow Kenyans to do the same, they are preventing them from embracing that right.

“We are forced to organise fresh street demonstrations if the bill is passed,” Owino said.