- Raila asserted that President William Ruto's administration is flawed beyond redemption.
- As such, he urged the residents to join in the planned protests come 'Saba Saba' as the sovereign power belongs to the people.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance leader on Monday psyched up residents of Siaya in his Nyanza backyard in readiness for July 7th civil disobedience rally that will be held at Kamkunji grounds in Nairobi.
Speaking at a political rally at Asango in Sigomre, shortly after unveiling a new dining hall at Mama Ida Odinga Secondary School in Ugunja Constituency, Raila asserted that President William Ruto's administration is flawed beyond redemption.
As such, he urged the residents to join in the planned protests come 'Saba Saba' as the sovereign power belongs to the people.
"This government of (president) Ruto is filthy and has abandoned the plight of hustlers with whom he had promised to help (during the campaigns)," Raila claimed.
He 'justified' his claim by saying that the Ruto-led government has compounded taxes even as it fails to seal loopholes that allow for corrupt deals to happen within the government.
Also, Raila claimed that the current legislative arm of the government has been arm twisted and some parliamentarians are bribed to approve punitive bills such as the highly contested Finance Bill 2023 (now law).
"There is no taxation without representation," Raila said, illustrating that the views of the people were not considered before the passage of the Finance Act 2023.
Accordingly, Raila told the people of Luo Nyanza to heed his voice for mass action as that will directly hit the government and dislodge it from power.
"We want to aim at the head of this serpent," Raila communicated using a proverb.
He continued:
"They (government) promised to lower the cost of living using a bottoms-up economic revival plan. However, they have forgotten that and are now increasing the cost of living with blatant impunity.
"Let all and sundry come out on 'Saba Saba's day and say that enough is enough."
Raila told the president to be weary because he (Raila) is speaking on behalf of the disenfranchised masses.
"I m telling Ruto that I am speaking on behalf of many people than he has. Therefore, he cannot threaten me," he said as he dared the government to interfere with the planned mass action.
He insisted that even in parliament, his Azimio coalition has a majority of 172 representatives in the National Assembly against Ruto's 165.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga equally urged Raila's foot soldiers to come out in their numbers to defend themselves against the government.
Oburu claimed that the delegated representation that parliamentarians exercise on behalf of the people is no longer possible for some of the legislatures have shamelessly metamorphosed into the government's ardent supporters.
"I have been a parliamentarian for 30 years but I have never seen parliament like the current one. I am even ashamed of being the senator of Siaya because parliamentarians are being bought left, right and centre," Oburu alleged.
Oburu called the president out saying that it is time he led the country with honesty instead of what he (Oburu) termed as lies and propaganda.
On his part, Siaya governor James Orengo called on the people not to give up on Raila and his political moves.
"Stand with the party (ODM) and Azimio. Do not be anxious, Baba (Raila) will lead us to prosperity," Orengo submitted.
Orengo averred that, starting with the planned 'Saba Saba' rally, the opposition will neither retreat nor relent in its quest for better management of the country, Kenya.
"On 'Saba Saba' day, we will stage a mighty protest in support of Raila (Amolo Odinga) and his efforts to liberate this country," National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said.
Siaya politician Julius Okinda alias JT Okinda affirmed that even residents of Gem Constituency will rally behind Raila and participate in the 'Saba Saba' protest.
"The people of Gem and I are supporting Raila and his good plans for this country. We support mass action because we want the government of the people and for the people," Okinda said.
MP Elisha Odhiambo is one of those supporting the government's agenda despite having been elected on an ODM party ticket.
Elisha has been discouraging the locals against staging an opposition to the government if they were to benefit from government goodies.
Elisha is set to host the president for a development tour of his area of jurisdiction next month.
The rally was attended by MPs Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos), Caleb Amisi (Sabaoti), George Aladwa (Makadara), Christine Ombaka (Siaya County), Peter Mascara (Suna West) and James Nyikal (Seme), and a host of Siaya and Kisumu County MCAs.