Raila Odinga Declares Nationwide Protests Will Return In 2024 Over Cost Of Living: "Tutarudi Uwanja"

• Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga threatened to instigate anti-government protests
• He criticised the government for not fulfilling its promises, which had initially sparked optimism among the citizens
• Raila warned of rallying supporters to protest if the controversial Finance Act 2023, which raised taxes, is not repealed

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Siaya - Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has threatened to call for another wave of anti-government protests.

During the launch of the construction of the perimeter wall of Migwena Sports and Cultural Ground on Saturday, December 30, Raila regretted that Kenyans had endured tough times in 2023.

He explained that the citizenry was optimistic at the beginning of the year due to the promises made by the current administration.

Raila stated that most of the promises made by the government turned into mere words, observing that none was fulfilled.

"Kenyans have endured hardships in 2023. They started the year with optimism due to promises made by these individuals. They claimed that once in government, the hustlers would fare well, but it turned out to be just empty words. Kenyans have had a tough year in 2023 and are hopeful for 2024," Raila said.

What will be Azimio's next action?

The ODM leader lamented that the government has dismissed their calls to stop increasing taxes on essential commodities,

Raila warned that if the controversial Finance Act 2023 is not repealed, he will rally his supporters back to the streets.

"We ourselves said the cost of living was high and urged the government not to increase taxes, but they continued to raise taxes, causing significant losses for Kenyans. We are saying in the new year, this tax law must be repealed, the Finance Act must be repealed. If the Finance Act is not repealed, we will return to the field. We will tell Kenyans to go back to the field," he declared.

Raila advises Ruto to slash budget, reduce taxes

In November, Raila advised President William Ruto on tackling the cost of living amid an uproar from Kenyans.

The Opposition leader asked Ruto to slash the government's operating budget by KSh 500 billion and reduce the raft of taxes introduced under the Finance Act 2023.

Raila said the Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid (hustlers), whom the government promised to uplift, had been left digging deeper into their pockets to buy basic commodities.