Kalonzo Musyoka, former Vice President and current leader of the Wiper political party voiced strong objections, claiming that 1 trillion Kenyan Shillings (USD 7.7 billion) of the proposed financial budget would “finance corruption.”

“As concerned citizens, we want a blatant disregard of the 2024 Financial Bill,” said Musyoka while speaking at a press conference. “The rising digital activism among Kenyans as a clear indication of widespread discontent with the bill.”

Martha Karua, leader of the Narc Kenya party and a prominent figure in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, also echoed Musyoka’s sentiments.

“The Finance Bill 2024 will bring more pain to Kenyans if it sails through the National Assembly without amendments,” warned Karua.

She also emphasized that budgeting is about making the right choices that prioritize the welfare and safety of the people, not about funding the Executive.

Karua also said,  ” Leaders must make choices that can lead to a much safer Kenya must be based on true reference and respect for the people,” she added.

Adding to the opposition’s proposals, Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement announced a ban on travel for their Members of Parliament during the debate on the 2024 Financial Bill. This move represents the coalition’s commitment to actively opposing the bill within parliamentary proceedings.

Accordingly, Jeremiah Kioni of the Jubilee Party also expressed his disdain, stating, “The budget seems to have been made by crooks.” His statement reflects the deep mistrust and frustration among opposition leaders regarding the integrity of the budgetary process and the Executive.

Whether the views of the Azimio la Umoja coalition will be used to debate the Financial Bill by Members of Parliament will only be told with time. Meanwhile, many Kenyans, continue to express concern among many Kenyans who fear the economic and social repercussions of the proposed budget.

The unprecedented downpour has ripped through River Nyando, a vital artery in Kisumu County. Over 800 acres of land have been swept away, leaving behind a trail of loss and damage. Homes are marooned, businesses are in tatters, and families are separated.

Speaking to Liberal News Network, a distraught resident near the river painted a grim picture. “This is the time things have gotten out of hand,” he lamented. “I don’t know where my family is. Our houses are underwater, businesses are destroyed. We can’t stay here tonight.”

The relentless water has shown no mercy, taking not only homes and businesses but also innocent lives. Local residents report that a significant number of animals have been swept away in the current.

The desperation is palpable as residents decry relentlessly.

“We need permanent solutions to the flooding situation,” residents cried out. “We haven’t seen any response, but we hope our Member of Parliament will help us get through this trying time.”

Kenya’s National Disaster Management Agency faces a monumental task. The country is reeling from weeks of torrential rain, and River Nyando’s plight is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Urgent action is necessary to rescue those displaced, provide shelter and essential supplies, and begin the long road to rebuilding lives and communities.

The international community is watching closely, with many local and grassroot organizations already offering support. However, the scale of the crisis demands a unified and robust response to help Kenya weather this storm and emerge stronger.

Opposition leader are  requesting the incumbent government to declare the floods a national disaster and they hope President Ruto will heed to the cause.

This collaboration was a crucial to enhance public participation in Kenya’s fiscal management which only has a short window of 14 days. Taking into consideration that the BPS is considered a cornerstone of Kenya’s  public finance management, the government’s spending priorities, goals, and medium-term direction. This year’s statement emphasizes reducing the fiscal deficit and mitigating the risks associated with Kenya’s rising public debt.

Moreover, the Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy, delves specifically into Kenya’s debt management. It seeks to lower debt-related costs and risks, ensure debt sustainability, and explore diverse funding sources while considering macroeconomic factors like growth, inflation, and exchange rates.

CSPEN’s involvement underscores the importance of civil society engagement in fostering accountability, transparency, and public trust. By actively participating in the budget review process, these organizations ensure citizens’ interests are considered and contribute to effective and responsible governance.

While Kenya strives to navigate its fiscal landscape, collaborative efforts like those undertaken by CSPEN remain essential to shaping policies that benefit all citizens and pave the way for a sustainable economic future.