Piece by: BRIAN ORUTA

19 July 2023

• In a statement, Kaluma emphasized that the scheduled three-day protests are taking place because of the way President William Ruto is leading the country.

Kenyans are reportedly heading to the streets for a variety of reasons, according to Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, but Azimio leader Raila Odinga is not one of them.

In a statement, Kaluma emphasized that the scheduled three-day protests are taking place because of the way President William Ruto is leading the country,

This was in response to Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen's request for Raila to end the demonstrations.

The MP continued by listing further concerns for Kenyans, such as the high cost of living and the government's hunger for borrowing.

"Sh1.2 trillion in 9 months is too much for a government which promised the opposite," Kaluma said.

"Corruption and wasteful spending are alarming. Top officials of government don't inspire public confidence in the administration."

The legislator added that Independent offices, Commissions and institutions have been muzzled and that the state is also engaged in targeted attacks on "democracy" and multi-partyism.

Kaluma said the Ruto-led administration has also stalled talks for necessary Electoral reforms, become arrogant, and dictatorial, and no longer heeds what the people think or say.

He, however, advised that the Kenya Kwanza administration can stop the protests by first, returning the Finance Act, 2023 to Parliament for repeal.

Kaluma said Ruto should also restructure the government to reflect the face of Kenyan and stop corruption.

"As starting point, please return the Finance Act, 2023 to Parliament for repeal; restructure government to reflect the face of Kenya and institute merit in public service; stop corruption in government and allow independent offices and Commissions to be independent."

Murkomen on Tuesday urged Azimio chief Raila Odinga to call off the planned three-day anti-government protests.

"It is still my prayer and considered opinion that Hon Raila Odinga should use his influence to call off the planned mass action. He has the ability and responsibility to do so," the CS said.

Murkomen said there was no reason why the leaders shouldn’t resume the Parliamentary talks.

He insisted the issues being raised by the Azimio coalition as they lead the anti-government demos can be discussed in parliament.