Following President William Ruto’s decision to sign the contentious Finance Bill 2023 into law, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has declared that it will not engage in further bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking at a public rally at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds, the Azimio coalition, led by Opposition leader Raila Odinga, outlined a series of measures they had resolved to take in protest of what they called President Ruto’s disregard for their views.
“Having imposed on us the punitive taxation measures contained in the Finance Act 2023, in complete disregard of our views, we declare an end to the talks to which we had sent our delegation in the hope that Kenya Kwanza will show interest in resolving the pro-people issues including the cost of living. It is time for action,” reads part of the resolution read out by Eugene Wamalwa.
The Azimio coalition has also pledged to launch a campaign of “defiance and civil disobedience” in various forms, including refusal to pay taxes.
According to the opposition, this will be done to force President Ruto out of office.
“We the people shall convene on July 7, 2023, Saba Saba Day which event will unveil a program to nationwide civil disobedience to force the Kenya Kwanza regime home,” added Wamalwa.
The coalition announced that it will “embark on a mass signature collection to signal the withdrawal of our sovereignty from officials of this illegitimate regime including Mr William Ruto and all elected leaders who supported the Finance Bill 2023.”
The coalition has also resolved to work with civil society groups to liberate Kenya from the Kwanza regime.
“We the people recognise and appreciate the efforts that members of civil society and all progressive forces in our republic are making to free Kenya from the despotic Kenya Kwanza administration and we will pursue collaboration and joining of forces for the sake of our nation,” reads the fourth resolution.
The coalition strongly condemned the government for its alleged disrespect for the media.
“We the people condemn Ruto and his regime’s lack of respect for the media which is consistent with every dictator’s lack of regard for the rule of law, constitutional order, and independent opinion,” concluded Wamalwa.
