Azimio Coalition Leaders Rally Against Controversial Finance Bill

Leaders of the One-Kenya Alliance, known as Azimio la Umoja, have declared that they have alternative strategies to safeguard the rights of the Kenyan people under the Kenya Kwanza (KK) regime. During the funeral service of Marya Elizabeth Nakhulo, daughter of former Vice President Moody Awori, held in Funyula constituency, prominent figures such as Martha Karua expressed their commitment to opposing what they perceive as oppressive actions by the government.

The leaders criticized the Finance Bill of 2023, which recently passed the second reading in the National Assembly, viewing it as emblematic of the KK regime’s oppression. They claimed that they were devising plans to counter the bill, as they believed it would bring disastrous consequences to the country. Karua, accompanied by Wycliffe Oparanya, Eugene Wamalwa, and George Wajackoyah, assured the people of Busia and Kenya as a whole that they empathized with their hardships and would continue to fight for their redemption. They promised to disclose their next action plan soon.

The coalition expressed concern that Busia senator Okoiti Omtatah was facing vilification from certain high-ranking members of the KK brigade, urging him to abandon his court case against the controversial bill. They believed that Omtatah’s case had strong chances of success and was in favor of the Kenyan people. They called on the leaders to refrain from employing underhanded tactics, asserting that such behavior contradicted the principles of democracy. They vowed to protect Omtatah, a renowned public interest litigant, who had previously informed President William Ruto that he would challenge the proposals of the bill in court.

Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi attributed the passage of the contentious legislation to external influences that were undermining parliamentary democracy. He suspected that many MPs who voted in favor of the bill did so under duress, rather than out of their own volition, as the bill’s provisions were widely known to increase the cost of living. Osotsi suggested that perhaps the clergy should pray for the MPs, emphasizing the need to address the issue.

Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary-General of ODM and Nairobi Senator, stated that Azimio would take action against their MPs who failed to attend or supported the controversial legislation. Sifuna cited the example of Wilberforce Mudenyo, the MP representing Funyula constituency, who received a show-cause letter for not being present in parliament on the day of the vote. Sifuna asserted that Mudenyo must explain not only to ODM but to all Kenyans why he acted against their interests.

Several other senators and MPs, including Omtatah, Boni Khalwale, Wafula Wakoli, Agnes Muthama, Muhamed Chute, and Oku Kaunya, paid tribute to Nakhulo’s character and philanthropic nature, describing her as a beloved and compassionate individual.

Moody Awori expressed his grief over the loss of his joyful and peace-loving daughter, who had fostered many friendships and exhibited a strong sense of philanthropy. Amos Wako, the Emeritus Attorney General, and former MP Fred Gumo also mourned the loss of their friend, Nakhulo.