Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Sunday, June 11, revealed his Ministry's plan to deal with impending demonstrations over Finance Bill 2023 proposals.
Speaking during a church service at Marimanti Methodist Church in Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki urged all lawmakers to handle the bill within the confines of Parliament.
Addressing the public, the CS also urged individuals aggrieved by the Parliament's outcome to seek redress in other institutions.
"MPs from Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the opposition should use their legislative mandate to determine the fate of the Finance Bill 2023. Any person aggrieved by the parliamentary outcome should use other institutions, such as the Judiciary to contest the decision," he stated.
He, however, indicated that the government will provide necessary security support to those who wish to air their grievances peacefully maintaining that lawlessness will not be condoned.
"On the ongoing conversation over the Finance Bill 2023, the Government will provide the necessary security support to those who wish to air their grievances and views peaceably.
"Any form of lawlessness, including disruption of businesses, destruction of public and private property, and looting, will be not be allowed," he stated.
Kindiki insisted that Kenya is a democratic nation that respects the plurality of opinions and views on political, economic, and social matters.
On the other hand, he underscored the fact that Government recognises and acknowledges the critical role played by religious organisations in nourishing souls of the faithful.
He also indicated that most religious organisations in the country had partnered with the government in providing key services such as education, health, and water to citizens.
“The Government will not relent in flushing out crooks and criminals hiding behind religion and using scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers,” he noted.
Kindiki’s remarks came a few days after Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, on June 7, hinted at the return of nationwide protests over the Finance Bill.
Raila insisted that the Kenya Kwanza government had failed to listen to the suffering of Kenyans necessitating his call to action.
The opposition issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto to drop the Finance Bill, on June 8, failure to which he will marshall his supporters for a countrywide protest. He also offered the Head of State suggestions he believed would lower the cost of living.
Addressing the press during the Azimio Economic Council forum, Raila argued that his pointers were poised to place Kenya’s economy on the path of prosperity without burdening Kenyans with additional taxes.
The Azimio leader further demanded that the President should abandon the Finance Bill 2023 and apologise to Kenyans.
