Azimio la Umoja, on Tuesday, June 27, announced a raft of resolutions to counter President William Ruto, who snubbed their demands over Finance Act 2023.
In a statement that was read by Democratic Action Party (DAP) Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Azimio called for civil disobedience starting July 7, 2023.
The coalition stated that they will begin the process that will culminate in the removal of the Kenya Kwanza government from the reigns of power.
"Time for talks is over, and we will show Ruto that he was wrong in dismissing our concerns and those of the people of Kenya," Eugene noted.
Azimio la Umoja Resolutions
1. Bipartisan Talks
While addressing supporters, Azimio la Umoja rejected bipartisan talks between with the Kenya Kwanza committee.
Azimio rejected the talks on grounds that Kenya Kwanza had not shown good faith in the process.
In a statement, Eugene stated that the talks were unnecessary, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was already in the process of recruiting new commissioners.
"We the people of Kenya, by the provision of Article One of the Constitution, have decided that there will be no more talks between Azimio la Umoja and the Kenyan Kwanza outfit," Eugene stated.
2. Defiance Campaign
Azimio la Umoja, the political coalition of Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, rejected the new taxes proposed in the Finance Act 2023.
While calling on Kenyans to undertake public defiance, the coalition argued that the taxes will disproportionately burden the poor and middle class, and stifle economic growth.
"We embark on the campaign of defiance and civil disobedience including refusing to pay taxes to the Ruto's government," read part of Azimio la Umoja statement.
3. Saba Saba Declaration
Raila, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, declared a protest that will begin on Saba Saba Day, Friday, July 7. The protest is in response to the government's refusal to meet his demands over Finance Act 2023.
Saba Saba Day is a significant date in Kenyan history, as it marks the day in 1990 when Kenyans took to the streets to demand multiparty democracy.
Raila is calling on Kenyans to once again take to the streets on Saba Saba Day to demand electoral reforms and to protest against a number of issues including his alleged stolen election victory.
"We the people will convene for a major declaration on the Saba Saba Day on Friday, June 7, 2023. At the event, we will announce a number of strategies that will cripple Ruto's regime," Azimio declared.
4. Signature Collection
Azimio la Umoja announced that it will embark on a signature collection campaign for self-determination. The campaign is in response to what they see as the government's increasing and deliberate move to impoverish the people.
Azimio la Umoja has stated that it will collect signatures from at least 1 million Kenyans who support self-determination.
While addressing his supporters, Raila noted that, if successful, they will then submit the signatures to local and international bodies, which will then decide whether or not to grant them their wish.
Azimio la Umoja explained self-determination is the right of a people to freely determine their own political status and to pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development.
Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa noted that self-determination is a fundamental human right that is enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
"We the people of Kenya will commence a signature collection exercise which will signal our willingness to reject Ruto's government. This exercise will take many other shapes and forms until when we shall push Ruto out of power," Eugene declared.
5. Respect for the Media
Azimio la Umoja asked President William Ruto's government to respect the media. The coalition expressed concern about the recent increase in attacks on journalists and media houses in Kenya.
In a statement, Azimio la Umoja noted that the government's actions are a threat to democracy and freedom of expression. The coalition called on the government to stop harassing journalists and to allow the media to do its work without fear of reprisal.
"We the people reject the Ruto regime's blatant disdain for the media. We recognise the role of the media in society. It is ethically wrong for Ruto's regime to treat the media with disdain," Azimio la Umoha stated.
In a previous statement by President Ruto on Thursday, June 15, the Head of State denied that government officials are harassing journalists.
Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) noted that the attacks raised concerns about the state of press freedom in Kenya. The Kenya Editors' Guild also noted that the attacks were a clear attempt to intimidate and silence the media.
