Azimio Threatens Return Of Nationwide Protests Over Finance Bill 2024

Azimio la Umoja, through its principal and Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, threatened to revive nationwide mass protests in the event the government fails to listen to the concerns raised by Kenyans regarding proposals in the Finance Bill 2024.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 15 during the Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting, Kalonzo rallied Members of Parliament (MP) allied to the coalition to vote with strong commitment against the Finance Bill 2024 which was tabled in the National Assembly on Monday, May 13.

The former Vice President recalled that the government turned a blind eye to concerns raised by a majority of Kenyans regarding the Finance Bill 2023 and passed as well as implementing it in its near-entirety, a matter that forced the coalition to call for protests.

“You have to prepare yourselves to vote a big No, you know this Finance Bill 2024 is receiving public participation and it happened the same in the Finance Bill 2023. Over 90 per cent of Kenyans said No, then they went on to implement the very unfortunate taxes,” Kalonzo revisited.

“We went to the streets. As a coalition, we are ready to go back to the streets if that is what it takes. I hope you are bold enough if they now go and cause aggression on public participation.” 

Kalonzo further questioned some of the proposals contained in the bill, like for instance the proposal to impose a 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on bread which he said was unrealistic given the staple nature of the baked product in all households for breakfast.

He further urged Kenyans not to give up, adding that they could be called upon to defend their country from the financial onslaught courtesy of the government.

"Just imagine bringing heavy taxation on bread...even the little children who have just gone to school will not enjoy their bread with a bit of margarine.

"So, be ready, ladies and gentlemen...and you know that if you feel a little weak spiritually, that you don't think you can withstand another round of demonstrations, then go eat something strong, we need you and this country needs you," he added.

It is worth noting that Azimio leader Raila Odinga on December 30, 2023, announced the return of the protests known as maandamano in 2024 because the government failed to revoke the punitive taxes as well as the Finance Act.

Kenyans now have an opportunity to make their views heard on the Finance Bill 2024 through public participation after the National Assembly opened the forum for the public to share their views concerning the bill which contains proposals relating to revenue-raising measures, including a raft of taxes.

The public participation deadline for the bill sponsored by Molo MP Kimani Kuria has been set to May 28, 2024, and it seeks to introduce new levies including VAT on bread and increase excise taxes on spirits, cigarettes, mobile money, airtime and bank transfers among others.

The notification guides that the Memoranda on the Bill should indicate the name of the person or organization submitting it and their contact details and should be hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk.

How To Participate

“In compliance with Article 118(1) (b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127(3), the Clerk of the National Assembly hereby invites the public and stakeholders to submit memoranda on the Bills to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning”, reads the notification.

You can submit your comments by either:

1. Making a physical delivery addressed to the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly at the 1st Floor, Main Parliament Buildings
2. Email to cna@parliament.go.ke

Comments must be submitted by Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5:00 pm.