In a clip, Sam Gituku, Citizen TV Journalist confronted Silvanus Osoro, the Majority Whip, about his statement regarding Azimio MPs being manipulated to skip the vote.
Osoro on Monday through Citizen TV ,in his defense, maintained that his priority was to support and pass government initiatives. He expressed his confidence in the government’s victory and stated that he had been certain about it from the start.
However, Robert Mbui vehemently disputed Osoro’s claims, arguing that the Majority Whip had resorted to arm-twisting tactics and coercion, likening it to bribery and corruption.
Mbui emphasized that the Azimio MPs had been subjected to pressure and manipulation, adding that such actions were unacceptable in a democratic society.
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Responding to the accusations, Osoro argued that Azimio had been making numerous demands, issuing ultimatums, and making threats since the elections.
He cautioned against provoking the police during demonstrations, acknowledging that while picketing was a right, it should not lead to unnecessary confrontations.
The Saba Saba protests, organized by opposition leader Raila Odinga’s party, Azimio, have ignited a firestorm of debate and unrest surrounding the government’s policies, particularly related to the cost of living.
However, these protests have not been without their share of challenges, as clashes with the police have resulted in casualties and renewed discussions on the state of democracy and governance in Kenya.
Moreover, allegations of manipulation, coercion, and political maneuvering have further complicated the situation, leaving the country at a crossroads of uncertainty and unrest.
The Saba Saba protests, fueled by growing dissatisfaction over the soaring cost of living, saw Kenyans take to the streets in a bid to voice their grievances.
Led by Raila Odinga and Azimio, the demonstrations aimed to draw attention to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens who find themselves burdened by escalating prices of essential commodities.
The protesters demanded swift action from the government to alleviate their struggles.
Among the critics of the government is Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui, who has accused the ruling party, Kenya Kwanza, of failing to effectively address the needs of its citizens.
According to Mbui, the protests are a legitimate exercise of public power, aiming to delegitimize the government and shed light on the widespread dissatisfaction among the people.
Unfortunately, the protests turned violent as clashes erupted between the demonstrators and law enforcement officers.
Fred Okango, a prominent government critic, revealed that six Kenyans lost their lives during the confrontations with the police.
These incidents raised concerns about the excessive use of force and the government’s handling of public demonstrations.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, however, questioned the efficacy of the protests, suggesting that they had not resulted in any tangible reduction in the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans.
Boss further dismissed Raila Odinga’s mass signature collection campaign against President Ruto’s government, asserting that such initiatives would not bring about significant change.
The political landscape has been further inflamed by allegations of manipulation and coercion surrounding the Finance Bill vote.
As the political standoff continues, Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui clarified that their objective was not to impeach President Ruto but rather to challenge the policies and trajectory of the Kenya Kwanza government.
According to Mbui, the aim is to delegitimize the ruling party and raise awareness of public discontent.
Fred Okango came to Raila Odinga’s defense, highlighting the constitutional right for the public to challenge the government when it fails to address the needs of its people.
Okango criticized the government’s disregard for court orders and accused the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of increasing fuel prices despite the suspension of the Finance Act 2023.
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