A section of Kenya Kwanza elected leaders have castigated Azimio leader Raila Odinga for threatening to resume street protests.
Led by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, the leaders said return to mass action will destabilize Kenya’s economy.
Speaking during new year celebrations in Kobujoi, Nandi County on January 1, 2024 governor Sang urged the opposition leaders to give President William Ruto time to revive the country’s economy.
“The only discussion we expect from the opposition today is on how to implement the national dialogue committee report, rather than threatening us with return of demonstrations,” said Sang.
“If you were honest with the discussions at Bomas of Kenya, why are you not telling us now to implement the report,” he added.
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Governor Sang explained that the Kenya Kwanza government was working on how to revive the Country’s economy that was affected during Azimio’s street protests in early 2023.
In a separate incident, Kiharu member of parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro has downplayed the threats by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to revive the countrywide demonstrations over the cost of living.
Speaking at Kiharu stadium in Murang’a County on January 1, 2024 during Wards football championships, Nyoro said the government won’t be blackmailed or intimidated by the opposition’s threats to resume demonstrations.
“If demonstrations are very important, as you announce to resume protests make sure you lead the demonstrations with all your family members.
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“Even if you demonstrate up and down, there will be no handshake with the Kenya Kwanza government,” said the Kiharu MP.
Nyoro added that the government was focused on reviving the country’s economy and there was no time to waste on selfish politics.
On the other hand, in Kakamega County, the clergy urged political leaders from Azimio and Kenya Kwanza to continue embracing dialogue, insisting that demonstrations won’t offer solutions.
For instance Bishop of the Catholic Kakamega Diocese Joseph Obanyi stated that demonstrations can’t help in solving any political dispute.
Bishop Obanyi noted that it was better for the political leaders to embrace dialogue and then show the way forward for Kenyans.
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The remarks emerged a day after Azimio leader Raila Odinga on January 1, 2024 threatened to resume street protests if the government fails to reduce taxation by repealing Finance Act 2023.
“We want 2024 to be a better year, not like what Kenyans experienced in 2023. We want taxation to come down and the cost of living to be lower,” said Raila.
Raila made the remarks at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega County during the Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa Cup football tournament.
