Odinga Declares Nationwide Protests Will Return in 2024 over Cost of Living
The leader of the One Kenya coalition party, Raila Odinga, has warned of the possibility of initiating a new series of protests against the government.
At the commencement of the construction of the perimeter wall for Migwena Sports and Cultural Ground on Saturday, December 30, Raila expressed remorse over the challenging experiences that Kenyans had faced throughout 2023.
He clarified that at the start of the year, the public had high hopes because of the pledges made by the present government.
Raila asserted that a majority of the commitments made by the government ended up being empty rhetoric, noting that none of them were actually honored.
“Kenyans have endured hardships in 2023. They started the year with optimism due to promises made by these individuals. They claimed that once in government, the hustlers would fare well, but it turned out to be just empty words. Kenyans have had a tough year in 2023 and are hopeful for 2024,” Raila said.
Expressing disappointment, the ODM leader deplored the government’s disregard for their appeals to cease the escalation of taxes on vital goods.
Raila cautioned that unless the contentious Finance Act of 2023 is revoked, he would mobilize his supporters for a return to street protests.
“We ourselves said the cost of living was high and urged the government not to increase taxes, but they continued to raise taxes, causing significant losses for Kenyans. We are saying in the new year, this tax law must be repealed, the Finance Act must be repealed. If the Finance Act is not repealed, we will return to the field. We will tell Kenyans to go back to the field,” he declared.
In November, Raila offered guidance to President William Ruto amidst public outcry over the rising cost of living.
The Opposition leader suggested that Ruto should cut the government’s operational budget by KSh 500 billion and decrease the array of taxes introduced through the Finance Act of 2023.
Raila pointed out that those at the lower economic strata (referred to as “hustlers”), whom the government had pledged to uplift, were finding themselves in a situation where they had to spend more on essential commodities.
In Other News: It wasn’t me! Uhuru denies congratulating Tshisekedi
Odinga Declares Nationwide Protests Will Return in 2024 over Cost of Living
