Azimio Leader Raila Odinga Announces Return of Mass Protests in 2024

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga speaking during the Kenya's 60th Anniversary held at Catholic University in Nairobi on December 8, 2023
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga speaking during the Kenya's 60th Anniversary held at Catholic University in Nairobi on December 8, 2023
Photo
ODM Party

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Saturday announced the return of maandamano in 2024.

Speaking in Nyanza, Raila blamed the government for increasing taxes which have led to a tough economic situation across the country.

He gave the Kenya Kwanza regime an ultimatum to either remove the taxes or they would bring back maandamano in 2024.

"In this government, you thought that the 'hustlers' would hear you. We found out that they were just words. Kenyans felt bad about the situation in 2023," he stated. 

A Photo of Azimio Leader Raila Odinga Speaking
A Photo of Azimio Leader Raila Odinga Speaking
Photo
Raila Odinga

"We told them not to increase taxes but they went ahead and raised the taxes, worsening the situation. These taxes must be revoked, the Finance Act must be removed. If they don't we will return to the streets in 2024."

During his speech, Raila further rallied the youth and women from Siaya County to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

The Azimio leader has in the past weeks been on a membership drive to attract thousands of supporters to join the party as it gears up for grassroots elections in 2024. 

Azimio supporters had urged Raila to call for the return of mass protests in an attempt to force the Kenya Kwanza administration to renege on some of their policies. 

According to Azimio, some of the irreducible minimums included lowering the cost of living by revoking the taxes stipulated by the government. 

The opposition had initially called off the protests to pave way for dialogue through the National Dialogue Committee, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Wiper party's Kalonzo Musyoka. 

Following extensive meetings, the committee presented the report to President William Ruto who agreed with the recommendations. Raila, on the other hand, indicated that he agreed with the findings albeit with some reservations. 

In January, the recommendations will be deliberated in Parliament before they are adopted. 

Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga in Kisumu on November 27, 2023.
Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga in Kisumu on November 27, 2023.
Photo
ODM