Raila Calls On Government To Suspend The Finance Bill; Condemns Killing Of Protesters
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticized the government’s handling of protests, urging them to halt the Finance Bill. In a forceful statement shared online, he accused the government of brutality and murder against peaceful protesters.
Raila emphasized that the country is suffering greatly due to the government’s stubbornness, particularly after the events of Tuesday. He voiced his deep concern about the violent suppression of young demonstrators who were advocating for changes to taxation policies, issues he believes should have been addressed through dialogue.
He remarked that issues which could have been solved with humility and conversation have escalated into unprecedented events in the 61 years since the country’s Independence.
These comments come in the wake of at least five deaths during clashes between protesters and security forces. Raila expressed his dismay over the killings, arrests, detentions, and surveillance carried out by the police against young people merely seeking to voice their concerns about taxation policies affecting their present and future.
He condemned the government for what he described as the suspension of constitutional rights, citing the excessive use of force, arrests, and detentions during the protests. Raila asserted that the constitution appears to have been disregarded and emphasized that this cannot be tolerated. He criticized the government’s violent actions against the youth and warned that more violence seems imminent.
Raila reiterated his demand for suspending the Finance Bill 2024, noting the profound grievances and frustrations of the protesters. He called for an immediate halt to police violence against innocent, peaceful, and unarmed young demonstrators who are simply asking for a better future.
Reflecting on past conflicts resolved through dialogue, Raila urged the government to engage in meaningful discussions with the public regarding the contentious Finance Bill 2024. He proposed that the government should withdraw the Finance Bill unconditionally to pave the way for a fresh start and constructive dialogue.
Finally, he appealed to regional and international bodies, including the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations, to intervene in the crisis endangering lives and freedoms in Kenya. Raila called on these organizations to urgently address the situation to protect lives and stabilize the country.
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Raila Calls On Government To Suspend The Finance Bill; Condemns Killing Of Protesters