The Kenyan government has issued a warning against protests and destruction of property over the Finance Bill 2023, which the opposition has strongly opposed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made this statement during a church service in Tharaka Nithi’s Marimanti town on Sunday.
He urged politicians to take their contest over the bill to the House and advised those who suffer defeat to seek redress in courts instead of resorting to protests and causing damage to public and private property.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, Kindiki emphasized that these rights must be exercised responsibly within the confines of the law. “We will not accept street protests, the destruction of people’s property and businesses, or a closure of roads,” he said. “When there are disagreements on any matter; political, economic or social, we must as a country learn to be democratic and use institutions to resolve such grievances.” The Cabinet Secretary added that any person aggrieved by parliamentary outcomes should use other institutions such as the Judiciary to contest decisions.
However, Kindiki assured that the Government would provide necessary security support for those who wish to air their grievances peacefully.
The Finance Bill 2023 has been a subject of intense debate between the opposition and government with some Kenyans expressing concern over its repercussions if passed.
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga had warned about organizing nationwide mass demonstrations in response to anticipated passage of the bill.
President William Ruto is actively mobilizing support in Parliament for timely passage of his first budget scheduled for reading on June 15, 2023.
On June 4th, President Ruto agreed on an open vote proposal by Azimio Coalition led by Odinga while demanding an open vote exposing MPs who support what it termed repressive tax measures. “I agree that every MP should be known on which side he has voted on,” said Ruto. “I am waiting for the MPs who will vote against the government agenda to give this youth employment who overwhelmingly voted for them.” The President said it would be selfish for MPs to shoot down the Finance Bill so as to cushion themselves from the proposed contribution to the Housing Fund.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua linked Azimio’s opposition to sabotage as part of a campaign to derail Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
