Speaking on Tuesday during a public rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, the Azimio coalition led by Opposition leader Raila Odinga outlined a series of measures they had resolved to take in protest of what they termed as disregard of their views by President Ruto.
“Having imposed on us the punitive taxation measures contained in the Finance Act 2023, in complete disregard of our views, we declare an end to the talks to which we had sent our delegation in the hope that Kenya Kwanza will show interest in resolving the pro-people issues including the cost of living. It is time for action,” reads part of the resolutions read out by Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
Secondly, the Azimio coalition has vowed to embark on a campaign of “defiance and civil disobedience” which they say will take different forms including refusal to pay taxes. This, the opposition says, will be geared towards forcing President Ruto out of office.
“From today we embark on a campaign of defiance and civil disobedience which will take different forms at different times which will include refusal to pay taxes and whose aim is to force Mr Ruto’s punitive regime to go home.”
“We the people shall convene on July 7, 2023, Saba Saba Day which event will unveil a program to nationwide civil disobedience to force the Kenya Kwanza regime home,” said Wamalwa.
Thirdly, the coalition announced that it has resolved to “embark on a mass signature collection to signal the withdrawal of our sovereignty from officials of this illegitimate regime including Mr William Ruto and all elected leaders who supported the Finance Bill 2023.”
The coalition has further resolved to join hands with civil society groups to liberate the country from the Kenya Kwanza regime.
“We the people recognize and appreciate the efforts that members of civil society and all progressive forces in our republic are making to free Kenya from the despotic Kenya Kwanza administration and we will pursue collaboration and joining of forces for the sake of our nation,” reads the fourth resolution.
Lastly, the coalition strongly condemned the government for what they termed as lack of respect for the media.
“We the people condemn Ruto and his regime’s lack of respect for the media which is consistent with every dictator’s lack of regard for the rule of law, constitutional order, and independent opinion,” concluded Wamalwa.
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