The ruling opposition is calling on the people to "disobey" the new restrictive measures signed by President Ruto, who is calling for sacrifices to lift the fortunes of the national economy.
As a response to the passage of the new finance bill, which among other things doubled the gasoline tax from eight to sixteen percent, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga called on citizens for a demonstration of "civil disobedience" by boycotting the payment of taxes and refusing to acquiesce to the government in demands that, during yesterday's rally at the Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, members of the Azimio la Umoja coalition called "disrespectful."
Odinga, gave his supporters some "directives" for Kenyans to follow in an act of civil disobedience aimed at denying the ruling majority much-needed revenue generation to conduct what he called "their own business."
In addition to not paying taxes, Raila urged Kenyans to car-share and avoid unnecessary trips to avoid giving extra money on top of what they usually pay for fuel.
"From today we are embarking on a campaign of defiance and civil disobedience that will take different forms at different times, including refusing to pay taxes, with the aim of forcing Ruto's punitive regime to go home," said former Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa.
"Ruto must go home," repeated opposition Vice President Martha Karua.
Odinga then announced a day of street demonstrations, next July 7, when more decisions will be made, assuming the government does not revise its decisions in the meantime.
"After imposing on us the punitive fiscal measures contained in the budget, in total disregard of our views, we declare an end to the talks to which we had sent our delegation in the hope that the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition will show interest in resolving issues in favor of the people, including the cost of living. It is time for action," Wamalwa added, reading a joint statement.