Tax concerns raised at Saba Saba Day fete

By Phares Mutembei

Kenya: The civil society has vowed to honour pro-democracy campaigners by seeking full implementation of the Constitution. While marking the Saba Saba Day at Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner Sunday, the groups braved the chilly weather and sang in praise of those who sought reforms such as James Orengo, Charles Rubia, Raila Odinga and Timothy Njoya.

From the Freedom Corner, they headed to Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, where they rallied the people for next week’s Three Day Civic Action demonstrations against a VAT Bill that proposes taxes on various basic commodities, including packaged maize flour, newspapers, sanitary pads, processed milk, among others.

The groups also planted fruit trees at Uhuru Park, saying Kenyans can now enjoy the fruits of the struggle. “We celebrate those who participated in the fight for freedom and are demanding full implementation of the Constitution and a ‘relaxation’ of taxes,” said Cidi Otieno, of the Coalition for Constitution Implementation.