Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on the President of Kenya, William Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill and stop the police from killing innocent protesters.
In a statement on Tuesday, Raila stated that it was unfortunate that lives were lost in the protests that began last week.
He stated that the situation would not get any better until the Finance Bill 2024 is withdrawn and a dialogue held over the same.
The statement partly reads, ” Today, our country is paying a steep price for obstinacy of the government. Matters that should have been resolved through dialogue and humility have degenerated into developments that have never been witnessed in the 61-year history of our country since independence.
” I am deeply troubled by the violent and deadly crackdown on young, peaceful protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Police Shoot at Protesters, Killing Two in Kenya Parliament Invasion
“I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future”.
He continued, ” Kenya cannot afford to kill its children just because the children are asking for food, jobs and a listening ear.
” The grievances and frustrations of the protesting boys and girls run extremely deep and wide. The immediate trigger however is the Finance Bill.
” The government must also immediately stop the violence its agencies are meting out on citizens and arrest all the police officers who have shot and killed protesters.
” I am calling on the East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations to immediately be seized of the unfolding situation in Kenya to save lives and the country.
“I mourn with the families that have lost loved ones and stand with them in the ongoing struggle for justice and economic liberation”, he added.
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