South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader Julius Malema has urged the Kenyan government to respect the citizens' right to peaceful protests.
In a statement on Monday, June 24, Malema's party noted that it was standing in solidarity with Kenyans protesting over the Finance Bill 2024.
EFF asked the Kenyan government to stand down the law enforcement authorities and release all the protestors who have been arrested.
"The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes with great concern the recent events in Kenya surrounding the proposed 2024 Finance Bill. We stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya who are bravely protesting against this exploitative legislation that seeks to impose severe tax.
"We further note our concern on the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors, which has resulted in at least 200 injuries and over 100 arrests. We urge the Kenyan government to stand down the police and respect the people's right to peaceful assembly. All those who have been arrested should be released immediately," EFF stated.
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Malema's party further commended the bravery of the Kenyan protestors, maintaining that it will continue to support the fight for economic justice.
The anti-finance bill protests kicked off last week on Tuesday, as many Kenyans took to the streets to reject the bill.
The protestors, who were mainly the young generation, have again planned a series of protests this week as they oppose the proposed tax measures.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, June 23, President William Ruto maintained that he was ready to have a conversation with the young generation.