Civil Societies to hold demonstrations on Saba Saba Day

Mombasa, Wednesday, July 5, 2023

KNA by Rehema Ravoga

Mombasa Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Coast Civil Society Movement are set to take part in the Friday’s Saba Saba demonstration to petition the government over the high cost of living and honor second liberation heroes.

The activists said they have received the police nod to hold the demonstration and will be responsible for any chaos. The activists will have their own security guards to marshal protesters. 

The demonstration is scheduled to commence at the iconic Pembe za Ndovu on Moi Avenue culminating at the County Commissioner's office to hand over a petition.

Mombasa considered to be the opposition bastion, has shunned away from past demonstrations called by the opposition.

Mr. Oginga Randiki, a Coast grassroots advisor of Azimio leader Raila Odinga said they will use the Saba Saba demonstration to protest against the high cost of living and the Finance Act 2023 that has added more burden to already suffering Kenyans.

“This is the beginning of protests to force the government to ease the burden on Kenyans. We are not going to relent until this government listens to the voices of suffering Kenyans,” he said after a meeting with Mombasa Central Police Station OCS.

Concern Citizens Executive Director Mr. Bradley Ouna said the increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from eight percent to 16 percent has started hurting Kenyans and worsened the cost of living.

“We want to use the demonstration to remind President William Ruto about his pre-election pledges that he would not burden the ordinary Kenyan more if elected. The Public Finance Act 2023 has a huge negative impact on the ordinary Kenyan and should be shelved,” said Ouna.

“We will deliver a petition to the County Commissioner to raise our concerns and grievances to the national government,” said Ouna.

Ouna noted that the planned demonstration is also meant to celebrate second liberation heroes who valiantly fought for Kenya during the clamor for multi-party.

“The demonstration aims to protest the exorbitant cost of living, the Finance Act 2023, and to honor the freedom fighters who selflessly fought for our nation,” said Ouma.

Ouma added that the rise in the cost of living affects all and sundry in the country urging Mombasa residents to turn out in their numbers and should not leave the demonstration to activists and politicians alone.

“I appeal to Mombasa residents to turn out in large numbers; this fight is not limited to activists or politicians alone,” said Ouma.

Another activist Mr. Edwin Shamir said they had assured the police that they will take full responsibility for their gathering and that was why they were cleared to hold the demonstrations

“We are going to have our own security and take full responsibility. We are going to air our views peacefully and this is the assurance we have given the police,” said Shamir.

He said the OCS was friendly but firm that they should keep their word and ensure businesses are not disrupted.

Fast Action Movement secretary Ms. Harriet Muganda exhorted women to come out in large numbers to raise their voices as they bear the brunt of the high cost of living.

“This is an opportunity for women to come out in their numbers and raise their voices. The high cost of living is hurting them, weighing them down more than any other lot,” she said.

Courtesy ; K. N. A