The Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition has declined an invitation to attend the National Prayer Breakfast, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 7, at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Azimio expressed concerns that the prayer event may undermine values of humility and respect towards God and the nation, considering the current challenges facing the country. The coalition believes that the breakfast will be characterized by displays of arrogance, power struggles, false promises to citizens, and the subsequent misinterpretation and misrepresentation of intentions by prominent leaders associated with Kenya Kwanza. Therefore, they have chosen to decline the invitation to the breakfast.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event that brings together leaders from across the political spectrum.
Azimio’s decision comes amid a deadlock between the opposition and the government over contentious issues presented in the proposed Finance Bill, 2023. During the recent Madaraka Day celebrations, President William Ruto urged Kenyans to support the Bill, emphasizing its potential to provide affordable housing and generate millions of employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
On the other hand, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has consistently maintained that the Bill aims to oppress an already struggling population. He has vowed to mobilize mass action against the proposal and called on his supporters to stand with him, promising to make an announcement on Thursday regarding their next course of action.
The proposed Finance Bill includes several changes, such as the introduction of a provision requiring Kenyan employees to contribute three percent of their monthly salaries towards a government-driven housing scheme. This provision is among the key points of contention.
In conclusion, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition has decided not to participate in the National Prayer Breakfast, citing concerns about the event’s potential deviation from values of humility and respect. The coalition’s decision aligns with their ongoing opposition to the proposed Finance Bill, which they believe will burden struggling Kenyans further. The standoff between the opposition and the government continues, with Raila Odinga promising to announce their next steps soon.