Azimio Team Makes 2 Other Demands To Kenya Kwanza

Orengo who was speaking during the prayer service for the victims injured during protests at Siaya town’s Ahindi Gardens said that the Finance Act, 2023 must be repealed.

“Let people talk but the condition for any meaningful negotiation is that the Finance Act, 2023 in its entirety must be repealed,” Orengo said.

Another condition, he declared, is the unconditional release of all protesters who were arrested and arraigned over the anti-government protests that occurred over the last three weeks.

Orengo said the opposition will only hold talks after “the people of Kenya who are demonstrating for a just course” are content that there is a government that is responsive to the needs of the populace in place.

Alego Usonga politician Kut Kochogo averred that nobody, not even the President William Ruto-led State, can and will deter their resolve to seek freedom and rights from the trenches.

“Aluta continua (the struggle continues). We are on (demonstrations) half-term but we will be back on the streets were (opposition leader) Raila Odinga to announce that the half-term is over because he (Raila) is the only one whom we listen to,” Kut said.

Meanwhile, Governor Orengo lauded the Judiciary with regards to what he termed as its ability to set free and at times unconditionally, some of the anti-government protesters who were arrested.

However, he said that the judiciary would do better if it were to start granting bail on the spot to anyone who is taken before it on a “bailable charge”.

He condemned the alleged police brutality witnessed in his county during the protests.

“No law tells the police to use live bullets to quell demos. We have given the report on police brutality to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA),” he said.

He promised that he would take care of the hospital bills of the victims of police brutality in Siaya County.

He also said the local leaders would foot bills to give protesters who succumbed to their injuries a peaceful send-off.

Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode claimed that at least 20 people were injured during the protests.

Two protesters died, Okode said.