Senate Tables 7 Demands That Will Address National Unrest
In the midst of escalating nationwide protests that have claimed over 39 lives, the Senate issued a harsh ultimatum to the government today, demanding immediate action to calm a volatile country.
Led by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the Senate’s bold move calls on key institutions to address the grievances that are fueling public outrage.
The Senate therefore calls upon;
— Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) July 3, 2024
– the National Assembly to expeditiously consider the presidential memorandum pursuant to Article 115(2)(a);
– all government ministries, departments and agencies, and constitutional commissions, including Parliament, to put in place austerity…
The Senate’s demands, addressed to the National Assembly under Speaker Moses Wetangula and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, highlight the critical reforms required to address public discontent sparked by President William Ruto’s recent actions.
@Senate_KE observes a minute of silence in remembrance of the departed souls. The August House has pledged to rise to the occasion and confront the realities of the day in order to find a lasting solution. pic.twitter.com/Rn1k0ThWpj
— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) July 3, 2024
Some of the demands must be met by Parliament, while others are directed at government agencies such as the police, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Ministry of Health.
Key Demands Include:
1. Accelerate the Review of the Presidential Memorandum: In accordance with Article 115(2)(a), the National Assembly will consider the presidential memorandum as soon as possible.
2. Government-Wide Austerity Measures: Calling on all ministries, departments, agencies, and constitutional bodies to implement strict cost-cutting policies.
3. Increased Anti-Corruption Efforts: Calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other agencies to step up the fight against corruption.
4. Police Reform and Restraint: Demanding that the National Police Service stop abductions, unlawful arrests, and extrajudicial killings during protests.
5. Release of Detained Demonstrators: All individuals detained for peaceful demonstrations should be released immediately.
6. Financial Assistance to Victims: Waiving hospital bills for injured people and covering funeral costs for those killed during protests.
7. Judicial Expediency: Prioritizing court cases involving the Finance Bill and related protests to ensure timely justice.
Cheruiyot also expressed concern about Police Inspector General Japhet Koome’s silence during the crisis, questioning his leadership at a critical time.
Cheruiyot’s impassioned plea captures the urgency of the moment, urging genuine commitment from all stakeholders.
“Unless we are serious, unless we are genuine, unless we are honest, let us not begin this conversation on the floor of the house this morning,” he lamented.
According to Cheruiyot, the resolutions were the result of a private meeting held outside Parliament on Tuesday, July 2.
The nation now waits with bated breath as the Senate’s ultimatum sets the stage for either a resolution or further escalation in the ongoing crisis.
Senate Tables 7 Demands That Will Address National Unrest
