Azimio La Umoja Orders Kenyans to Defy Paying Newly Imposed Taxes

On Tuesday, June 27, Azimio la Umoja unveiled several resolutions in response to President William Ruto's rejection of their requests over the Finance Act 2023.

Azimio made the declaration in a statement that was read aloud by Democratic Action Party (DAP) Kenya Party Leader Eugine Wamalwa. The appeal for civil disobedience was to begin on July 7, 2023.

The coalition said that they would start the procedure that would result in the overthrow of the Kenya Kwanza government. 

“The time for talks is over, and we will show Ruto that he was wrong in dismissing our concerns and those of the people of Kenya," Eugene said.

The announcement comes a day after the president signed the Bill at the State House in Nairobi.

After a third reading by Kuria Kimani, chairman of the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee, the Bill cruised past Parliament, and Kenyans will now have to dig deeper into their pockets to support the government's first budget.

There were 87 suggested revisions to the Bill, some of which were passed on Tuesday after a late-night debate in the National Assembly.

Among the most significant proposals adopted was a 16% VAT on fuel, up from 8%.

Except for Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, at least 184 MPs supported the bill, largely from Kenya Kwanza, while 88 MPs rejected the change, mostly from Azimio.