Opinion by Stephanie Musho (Nairobi)Tuesday, July 23, 2024Inter Press Service
NAIROBI, Jul 23 (IPS) – The resolution to the ongoing Kenyan crisis that has since morphed into an anti-government movement is not as simplistic as the withdrawal of the punitive Finance Bill 2024 as has lately been suggested by the country’s embattled President; who vacillates between seeking dialogue with – and threatening the youth of Kenya, against their peaceful quest for the realization of their constitutional rights.
One month after the unprecedented storming of Kenya’s national Parliament, legislators will today return to the August House following a three week recess where they are expected to consider a Memorandum on the Finance Bill from President Ruto rejecting all clauses of the contentious proposed law.
Additionally, they will debate a Supplementary Budget and the Division of Revenue Bill that was also rejected. This plunges the country into a legal quagmire, with a prospective vote on a needed statutory framework to enable the government to effectuate its annual fiscal plans. It is crucial that the President respects institutional independence and refrains from any attempts to influence the process; allowing the legislature to freely represent their electorate in decision making processes.
The President recently seemed to be responsive to the demands of the sovereign people by dismissing his entire cabinet, who are largely considered unqualified and partially responsible for the derailment of the country’s political and socio-economic development trajectory.
In fact, a year ago, he had put them on notice for their incompetency, having them sign performance contracts. Nonetheless, three days ago, he reappointed 6 of these fired individuals, in a selfish move to maintain political mileage at the expense of the country.
This re-infuriated Kenyan youth and galvanized public sentiment on his untrustworthiness as a leader. There is opportunity for Parliament to reject his nominees and for the President to embark on a new age, gender, and ethnic inclusive, and proficiency-based approach in the reconstitution of his cabinet.
The proposed law that catalyzed current events in the country had sought to bridge a $2.7 billion national budget deficit by increasing taxes on an already financially burdened citizenry. Yet, the government has been financially wasteful, contravening the requirement of prudent and responsible and prudent spending of public funds.
Consider that in 20 months, the President has been on 62 visits to 38 countries. The costs of these trips include his presidential delegation and their daily allowances. This is exclusive of other travels by state officials. Additionally, the State House was renovated at a cost of $6.8 million US dollars. It could then be argued that the problem is not a revenue crunch but rather one of expenditure. What is more, is that there has been a lack of transparency in public financing, creating speculation around the regime’s ravenous appetite for both legal and odious debt.
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President Ruto Must Stop Threatening Kenyans and Act on Institutional Reforms to Stabilize the Country, Inter Press Service, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 (posted by Global Issues)
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President Ruto Must Stop Threatening Kenyans and Act on Institutional Reforms to Stabilize the Country, Inter Press Service, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 (posted by Global Issues)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the situation in Kenya is complex and multi-faceted, involving political, social, and economic issues that have deeply impacted the country. The youth-led protests and anti-government demonstrations are a clear indication of the dissatisfaction and frustration among the citizens with the current leadership and governance. It is imperative for President Ruto to listen to the voices of the people, address their concerns, and work towards building a more inclusive and accountable government.
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