Azimio Opposes Taxes, Demands By-elections

Azimio la Umoja has directed its attention towards President William Ruto’s proposed Finance Bill for 2023, urging Jubilee MPs aligned with the Kenya Kwanza coalition to prepare for potential by-elections. In a recent parliamentary group (PG) meeting, the coalition discussed the reorganization of leadership within the National Assembly, conducted a thorough analysis of the Finance Bill 2023, and reviewed the progress of joint bipartisan talks.

The meeting emphasized the coalition’s demand for the government to withdraw and rewrite the Finance Bill. Failure to comply would result in the suspension of talks, potentially leading to renewed street protests by the opposition. Despite the opposition’s stance, President William Ruto remains steadfast in his belief that the bill will successfully pass.

During a visit to Siaya, Azimio leader Raila Odinga expressed concerns about the limited time available and hinted at the possibility of returning to street demonstrations if their grievances were not addressed. The coalition had given the committee one month to address their concerns, with two weeks remaining for feedback. Should the committee fail to meet their expectations, the opposition is prepared to take to the streets once again.

This recent PG meeting follows a previous one where the coalition agreed to suspend talks until their concerns were adequately addressed. Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi strongly opposed the Finance Bill, stating that those supporting it were disconnected from the current reality. He criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for burdening the poorest citizens while expecting them to remain complacent. The coalition did not disclose their specific plan of action to prevent the bill’s approval in Parliament but emphasized that they would not let it pass without resistance.

Regarding leadership in the National Assembly, Azimio called upon the Registrar of Political Parties to enforce the leadership changes agreed upon during Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Conference. As part of these changes, Mark Mwenje was chosen as the new Deputy Minority Whip, replacing Nominated MP Sabina Chege, who is aligned with the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Wandayi conveyed the party’s stance that the concessions made by Kenya Kwanza were insufficient to resume negotiations.

Although the government has made certain concessions, such as agreeing to address the preservation of Presidential Election Servers and respect the ruling of the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, Azimio argues that their demands for lowering the cost of living have not been met. Additionally, Azimio is calling for by-elections for all Jubilee MPs aligned with the Kenya Kwanza coalition and urging those holding parliamentary leadership positions to step down.

Azimio maintains that talks will remain suspended until the government fulfills their demands.