Lobby protests at bid to increase food prices
PHOTO | DENISH OCHIENG Civil society members march on the streets of Kibera as they head towards Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi on July 7, 2013 to mark Saba Saba Day.
What you need to know:
- Group stages demos against the VAT Bill during function to mark Saba Saba Day
A human rights lobby on Sunday used the Saba Saba Day celebrations to demonstrate against a Bill that seeks to increase the price of basic commodities.
Members of the Bunge la Mwananchi said they will not allow the government to oppress ordinary Kenyans through increased prices.
They asked the Jubilee government to shelve the VAT Bill 2013 and consider other avenues of raising money.
The group — composed of the Unga Revolution, Bunge La Mwananchi and the Coalition for Constitution Implementation — asked Members of Parliament not to pass the Bill as it would put an extra strain on Kenyans who are already paying high prices for basic commodities.
The group spoke at Kamukunji Grounds where they had congregated to mark the Saba Saba Day, which seeks to remember the people who fought for political freedom during the Moi era.
A member of the Bunge la Mwananchi, Ms Florence Kanywa, said: “This Bill will affect every Kenyan irrespective of tribal background or social class. We must unite as Kenyans and voice our disapproval of the VAT Bill 2013.”
MP Ken Okoth, who attended the function, asked leaders to join hands in rejecting the VAT Bill. He accused the Jubilee government of making life more difficult for Kenyans. “This day is important. Not only are we celebrating the political freedom achieved but we also want to attain economic freedom which Kenyans are promised in the Constitution,” he said.
The lawmaker asked leaders to fight for the rights of Kenyans and ensure the spirit of the Constitution is upheld as enshrined under article 43 of the Constitution.
Mr Owino Kotieno, County representative for Sarangombe ward, asked Kenyans to be more vigilant and stand up in protecting the Constitution.
He also condemned the introduction of the VAT Bill in the National Assembly, saying that Kenyans were already suffering due to the high cost of living.
