Azimio to unveil program for nation-wide civil disobedience on ‘Saba Saba’ day

The Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition has called for a mega rally at the historic Kamukunji Grounds on July 7, 2023, to pile pressure on the Kenya Kwanza government to repeal the Finance Act.

Speaking at the Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga said the opposition coalition will converge at the venue on 'Saba Saba' day to unveil a program for nation-wide civil disobedience to force the government to act on their grievances.

Kamukunji Ground is remembered for the 1990 'Saba Saba' rallies that gave birth to Kenya's multi-party democracy.

At the same time, Raila said the coalition had resolved to exit bipartisan talks with President William Ruto's side following the passing and subsequent signing of the contentious Finance Bill 2023 into law yesterday.

"No more talks. 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 bipartisan talks to which we had sent our delegation in the hope that Kenya Kwanza could show interest in resolving pro-people issues including the rising cost of living. It is time for action," Raila said.

Raila said the opposition would lead a campaign of defiance and civil disobedience which will take different forms at different times, including refusal to pay taxes.

He said the aim of the resolution is "to force Mr. William Ruto to respect the people and repeal the Finance Act 2023."

The opposition also announced that it will embark on a mass signature collection to signal the withdrawal of its sovereignty from the government.

"We 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," he said.

"We shall convene on 7th July-Saba Saba Day- 2023, here at Kamukunji at which event we will unveil a program for nation-wide civil disobedience to force the Kenya Kwanza regime to respect the people and repeal the Finance Act."

MPs voted on Wednesday to pass the Finance Bill 2023 despite strong opposition from the Azimio side.

The proposals that sailed through included the 1.5 per cent housing levy and 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products.