Azimio leader Raila Odinga has announced a resumption of mass protests from July 7, popularly known as Saba Saba Day, to pressure the government following the signing of the recently passed Finance Bill into law.

Raila accused MPs of betraying the Kenyan people and called for a united front against what he termed oppressive measures.

Raila, who addressed a mammoth crowd at Kamukunji grounds, quoted Isaiah 10:1-3, warning of the consequences of unjust laws and oppressive decrees.

He expressed his disappointment with the passing of the Finance Bill 2023 by MPs and its signing into law by President William Ruto.

Read More

  1. What the PPP Act says about Ruto cancellation of Adani deals in Kenya
  2. Ruto unveils Taifa Care under SHA to advance UHC, to settle hospital debts
  3. All macroeconomic indicators point to a positive turnaround - President Ruto

"Last week, we were betrayed in this city. Our representatives conspired with an Executive and abandoned us at our hour of need by voting for the punitive Finance Bill 2023."

He criticized President Ruto, accusing him of disregarding the will of the Kenyan people.

Raila called for action to be taken by Kenyans, stating, "At a time like this, silence would be a betrayal to the country. Silence would be treason."

He called for a repeal of the Finance Act and urged Kenyans to unite in punishing those responsible for the betrayal.

Raila accused Ruto of abusing power and exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.

"Ruto is testing the limits of his illegitimate power. Ruto is testing whether we still have the will, energy, and resolve to fight remnants of a dictatorship," Raila said.

While calling for resistance, Raila outlined a series of acts of civil disobedience to pressure the government into recognizing the "power of the people."

He called on Kenyans to boycott taxes, carpool to limit fuel consumption, and support businesses that oppose the Finance Act.

He encouraged the online community, including influential social media figures and artists, to mobilize and expose those who endorsed the controversial tax measures.

"In a democratic country that is founded upon the sovereignty of the people, whenever the arms of government fall into the hands of men and women who use their delegated sovereign power to oppress the people and benefit themselves, then it becomes a right and a duty of the people to disobey those men and women, and their laws," Raila declared.

Raila's speech has elicited varied reactions coming as many Kenyans are lamenting over the recently assented to law. 

This comes as Central Bank of Kenya on Monday also announced a hike in the base lending rate from 9.5 per cent to 10.5 per cent, the highest it has risen to in seven years. 

It also comes as most Kenyans grapple with the high cost of living, which is bound to increase even further with the hike of VAT on petroleum products from 8 per cent to 16 per cent.