The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Jimi Wanjigi, a businessperson and former presidential candidate, has expressed his support for Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party, in his call for demonstrations to urge the government to reduce the cost of living. Wanjigi believes that Odinga’s initiative is timely, considering the excessive taxation burden on Kenyans and the apparent indifference of the current administration to their hardships.
Highlighting the escalating national debt, Wanjigi emphasized that the financial strain on ordinary Kenyans has become unbearable. He advocated for street action to pressurize the Kenya Kwanza administration into repealing the contentious Finance Act of 2023, emphasizing the well-being of citizens.
Wanjigi voiced his full support for Odinga’s stance, asserting that street protests are constitutionally embedded forms of expression. He insisted that the pain felt by the citizens must be expressed openly, whether in the streets, homes, or churches, as a means to confront a seemingly unresponsive government.
Attributing the soaring cost of living to the national debt, Wanjigi criticized the leadership of President William Ruto, claiming that it has become oblivious to the citizens’ plight. In his view, returning to protests is the only way for Kenyans to make their grievances heard.
Wanjigi pointed out the alarming trajectory of the national debt, stating that a significant portion of the revenue collected goes towards loan repayments. He warned of the impending financial crisis, asserting that “Kenya Kwanza” is leading the country towards bankruptcy. He urged fellow Kenyans to recognize that nothing less than a revolution would rescue them from the current situation.
These remarks by Wanjigi followed Odinga’s indication on Monday that mass actions might resume to pressure the government to reconsider its contentious policies. Odinga pledged to end the high-taxation regime experienced in the previous year and called for a better 2024 with reduced taxes and lower living costs.
