Azimio leader Raila Odinga has sharply criticized the handling of protests in the country, urging the government to suspend the Finance Bill. In a strongly-worded statement shared online, the opposition leader accused the government of brutality and murder against peaceful demonstrators.
Raila further noted that the country is paying a “steep price for the obstinacy” of the government, following Tuesday’s events. He expressed deep concern over the violent crackdown on young protesters demanding changes to taxation policies, issues he believes should have been resolved 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,” he added.
Raila’s remarks as at least five deaths were reported due to clashes between protesters and security forces.
“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,” Raila said.
He further criticized the government for what he termed as the supposed suspension of constitutional rights, citing murders, arrests, and detentions during the demonstrations.
“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.
He reiterated his call to have the Finance Bill 2024 suspended, noting that the grievances and frustrations of those protesting run extremely deep and wide.
“Police must therefore immediately stop shooting innocent, peaceful and unarmed protesting children who are asking for guarantees of a better tomorrow from the State.”
Looking back at similar standoffs in the past that were resolved through dialogue,Raila called on the government to engage in meaningful talks with Kenyans over the contentious 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 appealed to regional and global bodies, including the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations, to intervene and address what he described as a 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.”
