ODM MP Trolls Opposition Over Its Anti-Government Demos

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has poked holes in the strategy sanctioned by the opposition in its anti-government protests.

The vocal lawmaker implied the protests called by former prime minister Raila Odinga had failed to achieve the intended aim due to the lack of proper planning.

According to him, suffering as the collateral for the supposed poor organisation of the mass action protests are civilians left to be felled by police bullets.

"As Kenyans struggle to fight the rigidity and ineptitude of the #ruto cabinet, leaders, we need to be innovative in our radicalism. Poorly organised demonstrations have led to serious innocent unarmed civilian casualties that breed fear among otherwise charged citizens. Killing genuine protesters has in the past proved to be a side hustler for some unscrupulous officers," said Amisi.

Going forward, the MP suggested, the demonstrations should be founded on the serious need for reforms and change against the current regime's policies.

He was frustrated by the intention of a lot in the opposition to seek political clout instead of pursuing the people's interests using the demos.

The MP counselled his colleagues in the opposition against calling genuine constitutional demonstration a revolution.

"Calling a demonstration a revolution is akin to giving a dog a bad name so as to get rid of it. A revolution must have an army, rebel forces, or a belligerent nation in support. You can't subject unarmed masses to a contingent of officers armed with tanks, arms, canons, missiles etc and what have you and call it a revolution...Give demonstrations a proper name and let Kenyans respond massively. The results will shock you. Kenyans are always ready!" said Amisi.

This came days after Raila threatened to sanction a new round of nationwide mass action protests against the government.

Speaking on Saturday, December 30 in Siaya County, Raila demanded that the Kenya Kwanza government repeal the Finance Act 2023.

He argued that new taxes that came with the act have led to a tough economic situation across the country.

"We said the cost of living is high, and we told the government not to increase taxes. However, they went ahead and raised taxes, causing significant losses for Kenyans. We declare that in the new year, this tax law must be repealed. If they do not repeal the Finance Act 2023, we will return to the streets," Raila threatened.

The opposition chief in August last year called off the anti-government protests to pave the way for dialogue between Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza government.

The two coalitions formed a committee led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah.

Following the bipartisan talks, the committee in November released its report and made recommendations.

Raila endorsed the recommendations in the report saying the opposition got positive results from many issues they had set out.

The ODM leader however mentioned that the report was incomplete as it failed to address the high cost of living.

“We will seek other ways to press the government to listen to the cries of the people and bring down the cost of living. Other ways will not be limited to consultation with the people.

“At all times we will retain the right to call out the people to take steps that will deem necessary to force the government to lower the cost of living,” Raila stated.