By Wilfridah Murenga
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, has condemned the shooting of peaceful and unarmed protestors during the #TotalShutDownKenya demonstration against the Finance Bill 2024.
“I am deeply troubled by the violent and deadly crackdown on young, peaceful protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. 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 stated.
According to Mr. Odinga in a statement release the matter could have been resolved through dialogue but instead, it has escalated to an unprecedented level never before seen in the country since it gained independence.
“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,” read the statement in part.
Read more:Former President Kenyatta Denounces Violence, Calls Leaders To Embrace Dialogue
Opposition party leader has urged the government to immediately and unconditionally retract the Finance Bill 2024 and called on the government to hold a dialogue with Kenyans over the controversial Finance Bill, stating that it is neither an emergency nor a life or death situation for the government and the people of Kenya.
“The starting point to ending this impasse and cruel bloodletting is for the government to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the Finance Bill and make way for a fresh start and dialogue,” Raila said.
He has further called for the apprehension of law enforcement officers responsible for shooting and fatalities of protestors within the parliamentary premises.
“The government must also immediately stop the violence its agencies are meting out on citizens and arrest all the police officers who shot and killed protestors,” he stated.
Additionally, the Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader has called on the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations to promptly address the developing crisis in Kenya to protect lives and the country.
The former Prime Minister has also expressed his condolences to the families who have suffered the loss of their loved ones and has extended his support to them in their ongoing fight for justice and economic freedom.