‘Choices have concequences, time to feel the heat is now’ – ODM tells Kenyans
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, June 30, 2023
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has urged Kenyans to remain strong as a majority of the citizens continue to grapple with the high cost of living.
In a statement on Friday, June 30, 2023, the Raila Odinga-led outfit appeared to fault Kenyans over their choice of the current administration in the last general election, reminding them that ‘choices have consequences’.
“Good morning fellow Kenyans. Someone once said, choices have consequences. Time to feel the heat is now. The heat is coming fast and furious,” the statement read in part.
The party, however, told Kenyans to keep their heads up, saying “We shall one day overcome it”.
“We shall one day overcome it. Let’s keep our heads up, our feelers on the ground and our hearts stronger,” ODM added.
Good morning fellow Kenyans. Someone once said, CHOICES have CONSEQUENCES.
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) June 30, 2023
Time to feel the HEAT is now.
The heat is coming FAST & FURIOUS.
We shall one day OVERCOME it.
Let’s keep our heads up, our feelers on the ground and our hearts STRONGER.
The statement comes at a time Kenyans are staring at costly fuel following the adoption of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is expected to announce the reviewed maximum petroleum pump prices on Friday following the enactment into law of the Finance Bill 2023.
“On 26th June 2023, H.E. the President Dr. William Ruto signed into law the Finance Bill, 2023 introducing a 16 per cent VAT on petroleum products. Accordingly, EPRA will tomorrow 30th June 2023 release the reviewed petroleum prices in compliance with the finance bill 2023,” EPRA said in a statement.
The National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2023 last Wednesday despite protests from the opposition.
Consequently, the opposition on Tuesday threatened to lead Kenyans in civil disobedience including refusal to pay taxes in a bid to force President Wiliam Ruto to repeal the Finance Act 2023.
Speaking during a public rally at Kamkunji Grounds in Nairobi, Raila announced July 7, popularly known as Saba Saba day, as the date for anti-government protests and civil disobedience.
“Ruto is testing whether we still have the will, energy, and resolve to fight the re-emergence of dictatorship. After stealing our elections last year Ruto now thinks he can steal anything and get away with it. We have to stop Ruto and we have to do it now,” Raila said.
“What happened this past week and yesterday is not just about the Finance Act, this is about the re-emergence of a dictatorship. We all know where Mr (William) Ruto and (Rigathi) Gachagua are coming from.”
Raila was the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition candidate in the last presidential election.