'We will go back to the streets if bipartisan talks fail,' Martha Karua says

The Azimio co-principal urged Kenyans to assert their civil, political, and human rights fully, stating that even in the face of potential adversity during protests, they won't compromise their rights.

“Even if we are transported to heaven through killings during demonstrations, NARC Kenya and the people of Kenya are saying that should the talks fail us because they look like they are failing, we shall not forgo our rights, and we shall go back to the streets if necessary,” she stated.

“We are saying no to intimidation and calling upon Kenyans to join and hold hands so that we restore sanity in our nation,” Karua added.

Speaking at the NARC Kenya party headquarters on Thursday, October 16, Karua called for the removal of the additional 8 per cent tax on fuel to stabilizing costs.  

President William Ruto, in May 2023, defended the Government's decision to increase Value Additional Tax (VAT) on petroleum products, stating it would generate Ksh. 50 billion for road development. 

“This 8 per cent we are adding will give us about 50 billion shillings and begin to deal with the problem of roads in our country, but to balance it out, I have removed on the same fuel, 3.5 per cent road development levy, 2 per cent of IDF, and removed 8 per cent VAT on gas,” he said.

However, Karua has argued that the taxes contribute to corruption and emphasized the need for value-driven leadership to address the escalating suffering experienced by Kenyans.

She also called for renewed scrutiny of elected leaders' track records, urging citizens to actively participate in shaping the management of public affairs.

The NARC Kenya party leader further urged for a critical assessment of loans, questioning the services they purportedly financed. 

“We must fight corruption which has doubled in this regime. I don’t even think it has doubled, I think it has tripled,” she remarked.

In addition, Karua called on Kenyans to scrutinize the track record of elected leaders, cautioning against granting a "blank cheque" in the management of public affairs. 

“In the management of public affairs, we are employing people whose track record is well known. We are giving them a blank cheque,” said Karua.

National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) which is spearheading the bipartisan talks has retreated to write its report.