Azimio la Umoja leaders have announced their plan to present a parallel budget to the Kenyan people as a counter to the proposed budget by Kenya Kwanza, which they have labeled as “anti-people.” According to the Azimio la Umoja leaders, the government’s proposed tax measures are harsh and will lead to the suffering of Kenyans.
The leaders strongly believe that the country needs and deserves a budget that prioritizes the people. They advocate for a rights-based budget that reflects the principles outlined in the Azimio manifesto.
The details of who will present the parallel budget and its location are not immediately clear. However, Wycliffe Oparanya, the former Kakamega Governor, stated that the parallel budget will align with the Azimio manifesto and showcase the coalition’s suggestions for reviving Kenya’s economy.
This year’s budget reading takes place amidst a contentious debate surrounding the Finance Bill, 2023, which proposes various tax measures to broaden and increase the country’s revenue sources.
“Join us in the upcoming course of action that we will communicate. We will emerge stronger. We will overcome. We urge Kenyans to be prepared and watchful. If they forcefully impose this bill, do not give up; do not surrender,” Oparanya emphasized.
During the meeting chaired by Azimio leader Raila Odinga and attended by all coalition principals, Kenyans were urged to exert pressure on their MPs to reject the bill.
Oparanya stated that President William Ruto’s budget would not only negatively affect the middle class but also harm the struggling economy and further burden the Kenyan people.
The former Kakamega County Chief dismissed the amended Finance Bill, 2023 as inconsequential and maintained their opposition to it.
“After examining the document, our position remains that the budget proposal is irreparably flawed. As we previously stated, no amount of amendments can salvage this bill,” Oparanya asserted.
He reiterated that all Azimio MPs had been firmly instructed to reject the Finance Bill, and if it were to pass, Kenyans should be prepared to “join the opposition for the next course of action.”
“We believe Kenyans have been enduring prolonged suffering. This budget proposal prolongs and exacerbates the people’s suffering. Our Members of Parliament are mobilized, united, and committed. They will reject this anti-people bill,” he stated.
Simultaneously, Oparanya appealed to Kenya Kwanza lawmakers to search their consciences and vote against the bill, emphasizing that they should do so for the sake of Kenyans rather than the Executive.
“We now appeal to the Kenya Kwanza MPs. We know that deep down, you understand that this budget is wrong. We urge you to join your Azimio counterparts and stand with the people.”
The coalition had requested initial actions to reduce the cost of living, safeguard the electoral agency servers, and halt Kenya Kwanza’s incursion into Azimio affiliate parties, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.
