In Summary
• Kalonzo who gave the protests a wide berth, just like his Azimio co-principals had earlier disclosed that he was under house arrest, which is why he never showed up for the protests.
• Catholic bishops have urged President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act, 2023 to ease the escalating tension in the country occasioned by the Azimio-backed protests.
Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has maintained that the ongoing protests and rallies in the country are for the benefit of all Kenyans.
Speaking to TV47, Kalonzo dismissed the perception that the rallies are by the opposition, adding that all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliation are feeling the hit of the high cost of living.
“These are not opposition rallies, these are Kenyans who are feeling the terrible York of high cost of living,” Kalonzo said.
“They can’t afford food for their families whether they are Azimio or Kenya Kwanza so it is the whole country,” he added.
Kalonzo who gave the protests a wide berth, just like his Azimio co-principals had earlier disclosed that he was under house arrest, which is why he never showed up for the protests.
The former vice president lauded the move by the Catholic bishops to call for the repeal of the Finance Act, 2023, which is currently suspended by the court.
Catholic bishops urged President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act, 2023 to ease the escalating tension in the country occasioned by the Azimio-backed protests.
They also called on Azimio leader Raila Odinga and Ruto to give dialogue a chance and restrain from actions that escalate the already worsening tension.
The bishops on Wednesday said the law, which has imposed tax-raising measures is insensitive to the plight of Kenyans who are already suffering under the depreciating shilling, among other economic restraints.
They warned that the Act will further make the lives of poor Kenyans unbearable.
“The recently enacted Finance Act place an unsustainable burden in already distressed citizens, especially those within the low-income bracket,” Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria said.
Source: The Star