The Azimio Coalition has collectively rebuffed the controversial Finance Bill 2024, urging members who had proposed amendments to withdraw them immediately.
This stance was articulated following a parliamentary group meeting at the August House, with coalition members addressing the press on Monday evening.
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi emphasized that the coalition arrived at the unanimous decision after a thorough examination of the proposed legislation.
“Our review of the Finance Bill 2024 has revealed several critical issues that cannot be addressed through piecemeal amendments.
Therefore, we have resolved to oppose the bill in its entirety and call upon those who had proposed changes to retract them,” Wandayi stated.
The coalition’s firm rejection of the bill comes amid a backdrop of increasing public discontent and a series of youth-led protests.
The Finance Bill 2024, which seeks to introduce new taxes, has sparked widespread outrage among citizens already grappling with the rising cost of living.
Protests have persisted into their second week, with demonstrators planning their largest gathering for Tuesday, coinciding with the bill’s upcoming parliamentary vote. The bill, having passed its second reading last Thursday, faces significant opposition as it approaches this critical juncture.
The Azimio Coalition’s resistance is not solely legislative but also moral, as highlighted by their condemnation of recent kidnappings of Generation Z demonstrators.
Wandayi called for the immediate release of those detained, underscoring the coalition’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, especially those exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The “Rage Programme,” a series of youth-led demonstrations, has vividly marked Nairobi’s streets with acts of defiance.
These protests, fueled by the anger and frustration of a younger generation facing economic hardships, have been characterized by their creativity and resolve.
On Sunday, demonstrators gathered outside the Kenya National Archives following church services, carrying placards denouncing the Finance Bill.
They marched through the city’s bustling streets under the watchful eye of riot police, their chants and slogans echoing the collective discontent of a populace pushed to its limits.
The demonstrations have also included symbolic acts such as blood drives and midnight protests at entertainment venues.
In these venues, music was silenced to allow patrons to voice their dissent through anti-government songs and chants, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices citizens are willing to make to have their voices heard.
The coalition’s opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 and their support for the demonstrators underscore a growing divide between the government and its citizens.
As the bill approaches its final vote, the outcome remains uncertain.
However, what is clear is that the Azimio Coalition is standing firmly with the people, advocating for policies that reflect the will and welfare of the majority.
Their decisive rejection of the bill signals a significant moment in Kenya’s legislative process, one that could shape the country’s economic and political landscape for years to come.
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