Raila announces ‘Saba Saba’ protests Friday

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has declared a day of protests for Friday the 7th of July, protests he says are aimed at expressing rejection of President William Ruto's newly announced tax measures.

Speaking at the homecoming ceremony of the newly elected Luo Council of Elders chairman in Kisumu on Sunday, Odinga asked Kenyans to turn up in large numbers on Friday, to demonstrate their disapproval of what he said was a takeover of parliament by the executive.

The Azimio leaders described the Finance Act of 2023 as oppressive and would only hurt Kenyans by raising the cost of living

“All the members of parliament that you voted for have been compromised they no longer listen to whatever the mwananchi has to say they are dancing to the tune of president Ruto. The government looks like it wants to impose these taxes on us by force and that is why we say no taxation without representation,” he said.

“I want you to take care of those leaders down here, I will be dealing with the leadership at the top, please listen to me, on the 7th this Friday I want all of you to come out, will you all come out?”

On his part, Nyando legislator Jared Okello told off Kenya Kwanza leaders for attacking the judiciary over Friday's court order against the implementation of the new finance law.

“Just like Baba respected the court decision when they ruled against us in the presidential petition we want to ask them to also respect courts and let courts do what their work should be we will not allow anybody to meddle with decisions of the court in this country,” said Okello.

Despite the court order issued on Friday, the energy regulatory body EPRA proceeded with the introduction of new fuel prices the same night; a move castigated by the opposition leaders as an act in contempt of court.