Azimio threatens to call for fresh protests over cost of living
The One Kenya Alliance under the Azimio La Umoja banner might initiate a new series of demonstrations unless President William Ruto responds to the public’s demands for a reduction in the cost of living.
Catherine Omanyo, the Busia Woman Representative, emphasized in a statement on December 3 that the opposition is displeased with the government’s indifference towards mitigating the soaring prices of essential goods.
Omanyo pointed out that the high cost of living negatively impacts business expansion, as consumers curtail their spending due to the unaffordability of products.
This statement from the MP comes shortly after opposition leader Raila Odinga mentioned that Azimio would explore alternative methods to compel the government to address the cost of living issue, following the National Dialogue Committee’s failure to tackle the matter during talks.
“As Azimio La Umoja we won’t tire in our struggle to make sure the cost of living comes down,” Omanyo said.
“When Kenyans cry because of the high cost of goods, we in Azimio also cry. The report that the National Dialogue Committee presented must be revisited lest we call for a fresh round of protests.”
On November 29, following the release of the Nadco report, Raila emphasized that the opposition’s efforts to address the high cost of living would involve various strategies, including consultations with the public. He asserted that the opposition retains the right to mobilize the people to take actions deemed necessary by Azimio to compel the government to reduce the cost of living.
Raila clarified that while Azimio had initially expressed support for the outcomes of the talks facilitated by Nadco, the opposition considers the government’s unyielding stance on the cost of living as the commencement of a new phase in their struggle.
Despite initially calling off street demonstrations to give bipartisan talks a chance, Raila conveyed disappointment that the committee couldn’t reach an agreement on the crucial issue where Kenyans stand united—the high cost of living.
Omanyo, speaking at the National Government Affirmative Action Fund Football Tournament in Malaba, Teso North subcounty, expressed that Azimio’s commitment to supporting Kenyans does not preclude the possibility of resuming demonstrations to advocate for a reduction in the cost of living.
“Unless they reconsider the report especially the issue on the cost of living, Kenyans will go back to the streets,” she said.
In May, Azimio chose to call off its planned protest, opting to give bipartisan talks an opportunity to address the issues.
However, on August 11, the opposition accused the government of violating Kenya’s right to demonstrate and criticized the police for their perceived brutality against protesting supporters.
On the same day, the opposition released a list of its supporters, claiming that they had been fatally shot by the police during protests focused on the high cost of living. Azimio asserted that at least 60 individuals lost their lives as a result of police actions during the nationwide anti-government protests.
Shifting focus to the NGAAF tournament, Butula subcounty secured victory by defeating Teso South 3-0, earning a trophy, uniforms, playing boots, and a cash prize of Sh20,000.
