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Wednesday, June 26, 2024 –Opposition leader Raila Odinga has weighed in on the Finance Bill demonstrations saying the government now ought to withdraw the entire Bill so that to save the country from more deaths resulting from the ongoing Gen Z unrest.
Through a statement issued on Tuesday June 25 evening, Odinga observed that the unrest around the country may not stop anytime soon should government remain adamant on implementation of the Bill that has since raised more questions than answers.
![President William Ruto(left) with opposition leader Raila Odinga{photo/PCS]](https://www.kenyawide.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RAILA-RUTO.jpg)
In his official statement om Tuesday June 25, Mr. Odinga has told President William Ruto to hold a dialogue with the voters so that a deal can be reached on what should and what should not be included in the Finance Bill.
“Kenya cannot afford to kill its children just because the children are asking for food, jobs and a listening ear.
“Police must therefore immediately stop shooting innocent, peaceful and unarmed protesting children who are asking for guarantees of a better tomorrow from the State,” added Odinga.
Odinga noted that what is happening in the country is a matter that could easily have been resolved through a dialogue; but the government refused to listen to her people and went ahead with its plans.
“I am deeply troubled by the violent and deadly crackdown on young, peaceful protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future,” Odinga stated in his statement.
He argued that whatever is happening today is no difference from a banana republic where the Constitution seems suspended as the State unleashes brute force on peaceful young demonstrators.
“Kenya cannot afford to kill its children just because the children are asking for food, jobs and a listening ear. Police must, therefore, immediately stop shooting innocent, peaceful and unarmed protesting children who are asking for guarantees of a better tomorrow from the State,” Raila said.
He said what had triggered the current situation around the country is the questionable Finance Bill that has been forced on the people of Kenya despite concerns.
The statement coming just hours after the Parliament passed, for the third time, the Finance Bill 2024 that is now headed to the desk of the president to turn it into full law through assentation.
