Thursday, December 8, 2022 – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga held his first public rally to protest against President William Ruto’s government at Kamukunji Grounds yesterday.
Through the Minority Leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi, Raila read out what he termed as ‘The Kamukunji Declaration’.
In the declaration, Opiyo outlined a nine-point agenda that the Azimio La Umoja brigade will push, in what appeared to be an anti-Ruto agenda.
1. Pressure on Ruto’s Regime
Azimio La Umoja resolved to put President William Ruto’s government under intense pressure to fulfill the promises that he made on his campaign trail.
2. Cost of Living
The Azimio coalition resolved to place President Ruto under immense pressure in order to force him to reduce the cost of basic comedies, beginning January 2023.
3. School Fee Subsidy
Raila and his team also resolved to force Kenya Kwanza to restore school fee subsidies that were established by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
4. Cash Transfer
Azimio resolved to force President Ruto to restore the cash transfer program, commonly known as Pesa ya Wazee.
The Older Persons Cash Transfer Program (OPCT) was an empowerment initiative under the Department of Social Development.
This initiative was meant to serve the non-pensionable and aged Kenyans who are not formally employed but growing in age.
5. Order in the Ranks
The opposition wing agreed to ensure that President Ruto brings order within this government, especially the Cabinet.
The coalition faulted Ruto for allowing members of his cabinet to give roadside declarations, some of which are illegal.
“These Cabinet Secretaries have been making dangerous orders that are completely illegal,” Wandayi noted.
6. IEBC Commissioners
In its first protest rally, Azimio resolved to put President Ruto under immense pressure to ensure that the Rule of Law prevails in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
7. Civil Service Outlook
The coalition resolved to ensure that Ruto restructures his government to have a national outlook.
Azimio La Umoja claimed that the civil service was skewed and does not reflect the diversity of the country.
8. Kazi Mtaani
Azimio La Umoja resolved to mount pressure on Ruto to restore the defunct Kazi Mtaani Project.
The Kazi Mtaani Project was abolished by Ruto’s administration after an assessment report.
9. The People’s Dialogue
In the statement that was read by Wandayi, Azimio La Umoja resolved to continue with the people’s dialogue across the country.
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