Sifuna: We are just getting started with maandamano
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has said the ongoing anti-government protests will only end when President William Ruto repeals the Finance Act, 2023.
Sifuna, while addressing opposition supporters in Kibera on Wednesday, maintained that the struggle will continue until the government meets the demands of the opposition.
“We will not concede until the government repeals the Finance Act 2023. The protests will end when the price of unga is lowered,” Sifuna said.
The ODM Secretary General was the only Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition bigwig who openly addressed protestors in Nairobi County on day one of the planned three-day anti-government protests.
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Among the key clauses in the Finance Act 2023 was a 16 per cent VAT on fuel products, up from 8 per cent.
The contentious Housing Levy, which had initially been proposed to be at 3 per cent, was also passed after it was amended to 1.5 per cent of gross pay after it was converted into a tax.
Azimio la Umoja principals Raila Odinga, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka did not make public appearance on Wednesday as their supporters protested in various parts of the country.
However, Odinga in a statement said that the Wednesday demos were a success and called his supporters to resume tomorrow (Thursday) as earlier planned.
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In several parts of the country, Azimio la Umoja supporters battled the police for the better part of the day in what is the commencement of three days of protests by the opposition that are expected to continue until Friday.
Despite a heavy presence of police officers, in Nairobi’s Kibera and Mathare slums youths have been engaging the law enforcers in running battles.
In Kitengela, police officers have patrolled the streets continuously since 5am and have been dispersing groups of protesters.
Other reports indicate that two people were shot and seriously injured in Nakuru and Makueni counties while protesting. Three others have been admitted to Nakuru Level 6 Hospital with gunshot wounds. The police have also arrested several protesters in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru.
Also read: Police gives lone protestor soft drink to quench his thirst