Don't sign Finance Bill into law, Azimio tells Ruto

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Co Principal Kalonzo Musyoka during an exclusive interview with The Standard. [Ndungu Gachane, Standard]

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has called on President William Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill of 2024.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, June 26, leaders, including Co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, insisted that the President still has time to return the Bill to Parliament and demand its withdrawal.

According to Kalonzo, the withdrawal of the Finance Bill is a demand by Kenyans that should be respected.

"It is not too late for Ruto to decline the Finance Bill and send it back to Parliament for its withdrawal as demanded by Kenyans," he said.

Their remarks come in the back of Tuesday’s anti-tax demonstrations, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and left hundreds injured.

President Ruto claimed the events were orchestrated, funded, and well-planned by individuals advocating for anarchy.

However, Azimio refuted his [Ruto’s] claims, arguing that it was the police who committed atrocities against Kenyans.

Kalonzo challenged the President to publicly name the alleged funders and planners of the protests to stop the ongoing abductions of protesters and vocal social media influencers.

"Ruto should tell the nation who the funders and orchestrators of the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations are, as he alleged last night. If he does not reveal the names, the hijacking, abductions, and incommunicado detention will continue," said the Co-principal.

The coalition also demanded the release of all abductees, terming their arrests unconstitutional.

Echoing these sentiments, religious leaders urged President Ruto not to sign the Finance Bill but to take time to listen to the people of Kenya.

The Bill was  approved by Parliament on Tuesday and awaits the President’s assent.