We will march to State House in 10 days, declares Raila

Raila Odinga led the Azimio politicians in addressing Peoples Baraza in Kitale, Town square grounds on February 26, 2023. [Dennis Kavisu, Standard] Azimio leader Raila Odinga has said he will lead his supporters in a peaceful march to State House in 10 days' time -- to protest high cost of living and an "illegitimate" government. Opposition leaders on Sunday fired salvos at the government over high cost of living, and vowed to defend the public against exploitation by "an insensitive regime". The leaders, who spoke on a wide range of issues bedeviling the country, vowed to stage the protest to "reclaim" the country from the hands of those they feel are driving it in the wrong direction. Addressing a crowd in Kitale town shortly after attending a church service at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mitume, Raila rallied his supporters to turn out in large numbers for the march. He said the countdown began yesterday. "We state categorically that this is not the time to create offices and positions for Kenya kwanza political rejects and crooks," said Raila. He said the government must be forced to direct all resources towards making life easier for all citizens. The former premier criticised the move by the government to create Cabinet Administrative Secretaries (CAS) positions, saying this only burdened the citizens more. Raila demanded immediate reduction in the prices of flour, sugar, petrol, diesel, paraffin and school fees. To cushion Kenyans from the high cost of living, he challenged the government to restore subsidies that were put in place by the previous regime on items such as flour and petroleum products. He said the march to State House is not for the faint-hearted and called on his supporters to be firm in the quest to fight for their rights. He sang out a tune meant for the march, vowing not to relent. Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua termed President William Ruto's administration illegitimate. She criticised the government's decision to remove subsidies for flour and petroleum products, saying that the funds for the subsidy prograqmme were being siphoned through corrupt means. "The funds meant to help lower food prices and school fees have been stolen. So I am posing this question to you, as Kenyans, for how long shall we continue to suffer?" asked Karua. The Constitution of Kenya, she continued, gives supremacy to the citizens who delegate their powers to the leaders and that they can directly exercise the power in the event that they are not well governed. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka described Raila as a champion of democracy and pledged to support the course to push for good governance, saying they will hold peaceful picketing. He criticized calls by Kenya Kwanza leaders, asking the West to bar Raila from visiting their countries and described it as fear out of cowardice. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said the country was at a risk when residents of Trans Nzoia, considered the country's food basket, have no food. Also present were Godfrey Otsosi, senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi, Ledama ole Kina (Narok), Jubilee vice chairman Jeremiah Kioni, and MPs Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Babu Owino Embakasi East and Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja).

We will march to State House in 10 days, declares Raila

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Similar Articles

government over high cost of living
🔥 Flash Sale — 50% Off Monthly & Yearly Plans

Offer ends in…

0Days

00Hours

00Mins

00Secs

Fuel prices remain unchanged despite Middle East tensions

Full-in tray for reappointed nuclear agency chair

End of an era as Kirubi family exits Sidian Bank in multi-billion deal

Naivasha businesses light up as firms rush to showcase Safari Rally-style services

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

We will march to State House in 10 days, declares Raila

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS