In a fervent critique, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has lambasted the government’s response to ongoing protests, urging an immediate suspension of the contentious Finance Bill 2024. Odinga’s forceful statement, shared online, accused the government of employing brutal and lethal tactics against peaceful demonstrators.
Odinga lamented the heavy price the nation is paying due to the government’s intransigence, especially following the violent events of Tuesday. He voiced deep concern over the aggressive crackdown on young protesters advocating for changes in taxation policies—issues he believes should have been addressed through dialogue.
“Matters that should have been resolved through dialogue and humility have degenerated into developments that have never been witnessed in the 61-year history of our country since Independence,” Odinga remarked.
The opposition leader’s comments came in the wake of reports confirming at least five deaths due to clashes between protesters and security forces. He expressed his distress over the violent suppression of young demonstrators, who were merely seeking a voice in the taxation debate.
“I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions, and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future,” Odinga stated.
Criticizing what he termed as the suspension of constitutional rights, Odinga condemned the government for unleashing brute force on peaceful protesters. “The constitution seems to have been suspended. We cannot allow that. The government has unleashed brute force on our country’s children and more seems to be on the way,” he noted.
Reiterating his demand to suspend the Finance Bill 2024, Odinga highlighted the deep and widespread grievances of the protesters. “Police must therefore immediately stop shooting innocent, peaceful, and unarmed protesting children who are asking for guarantees of a better tomorrow from the State.”
Odinga recalled past standoffs resolved through dialogue, urging the government to engage in meaningful talks with Kenyans over the Finance Bill 2024. “The starting point to ending this impasse and cruel bloodletting is for the government to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the Finance Bill and make way for a fresh start and dialogue.”
He also called on regional and global bodies, including the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations, to intervene and address the crisis endangering lives and freedoms in Kenya. “I am calling on the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations to immediately be seized of the unfolding situation in Kenya to save lives and the country.”