Raila’s New Year Message to Kenyans

Raila’s New Year Message to Kenyans

Raila’s New Year Message to Kenyans

In his New Year’s address, Azimio Leader Raila Odinga made three requests in an attempt to mobilize his followers to help him in his mission to free the nation. In order to restore Kenya’s dignity and well-being, Raila asked the people to exercise their sovereign power in his year-end statement.

He drew attention to the high taxes and substantial income tax deductions from people’s paystubs in particular.Raila took aim at the administration for its hollow promises, which it has been making but hasn’t followed through on.

“We shall exercise our sovereign power of the people to stop death and suffering of our people and restore our dignity and well-being of our people. We shall work with all people of goodwill to restore hope and faith in our nation,” read a statement by Raila.Further, he appealed to Kenyans to build a coalition of citizens who are willing to plan, mobilize, and organize effectively to fight for the country.

The last suggestion asked Kenyans to put aside their differences and respond appropriately when necessary. “We shall work with all people of goodwill to restore hope and faith in our nation,” he stated. The former prime minister has taken the lead in drawing attention to and denouncing the government for the exorbitant taxes imposed on Kenyan citizens.

Speaking to the people of Siaya, Raila urged all Kenyans to participate in the protests and threatened the government with a new round if the harsh taxes were not removed.

“Kenyan families are still facing extreme price inflation due to taxes, as the cost of  necessities such as groceries and petroleum products has skyrocketed.” Nearly half of what families and corporations make is consumed by taxes, he said. “We have stated that we will return to the streets in the new year if they do not  remove the Finance Act and the new tax bill. The head of the opposition reiterated his commitment to pushing for a tax system  that would eliminate the decrease in the income tax rate. The leader of Azimio further encouraged allied Members of Parliament to reject any  plan to impose new taxes on anything, given the hardships already faced by Kenyans.