Leaders from various political parties held a press conference urging the government to cover medical expenses for those injured during the protests in Nairobi. The demonstrations were organized to oppose the contentious finance bill, which has sparked widespread public discontent.
In their statements, the leaders strongly condemned the police for what they termed as excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. “The police response was brutal and unwarranted. These were peaceful protests, and yet the police acted with unnecessary aggression,” one leader remarked. The use of tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse the crowds was highlighted as particularly egregious, with numerous protesters sustaining injuries.
The leaders criticized the finance bill itself, arguing that it lacks a solid foundation given the current economic conditions in the country. “This finance bill is detached from the economic reality that Kenyans are facing today. It is an ill-conceived piece of legislation that will only worsen the plight of ordinary citizens,” another leader stated. They cited rising unemployment, inflation, and economic hardship as key reasons why the bill is untenable.
Furthermore, the leaders issued a stern warning that protests would continue across the country if the government does not address the grievances of the citizens. They demanded that the government withdraw the finance bill, labeling it as a threat to the nation’s economic stability and the well-being of its people. “If the government does not heed our call and address the concerns of the people, we will see more protests. The citizens are determined to make their voices heard, and we stand with them in this fight,” they declared.
Political leaders call for immediate government intervention to provide medical assistance to those injured and to re-evaluate the proposed finance bill. The leaders vowed to maintain pressure on the government until substantive changes are made, emphasizing that the future of the nation depends on responsive and responsible governance.