ZIMBABWE SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH KENYAN CITIZENS
#REJECTFINANCEBILL2024
The Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement (ZSM)is appalled and concerned by recent developments in Kenya where dictatorship and autocratic tendencies by Mr William Ruto are sprouting. The heavy handed response by armed forces against peaceful protesters shows how Kenya and the majority of Africa is sliding deep into autocracy and austerity.
Zimbabweans deeply understand the pain and anger of Kenyans through as they are victims of an austerity regime that is hell-bent on taxing the entire nation to death. Regardless of assurances by the Kenyan Constitution to respect the right to Assembly and protests,we are disappointed by the murder of five Protesters. Over fifty protesters have been grievously injured, hundreds have been arrested and over twenty-five protesters have been abducted in order to silence them. ZSM urges the government of Kenya to release all protesters arrested and abducted under the command of the government.
The deployment of the Military into the streets is of direct concern as it is a sign of the suspension of the Constitution and demonstrates disregard for fundamental human rights.
In the same vein ZSM encourages all armed forces to desist from firing live ammunition at protesters and for the government to stop muzzling the media and allow free speech.
The right to life remains sacrosanct and the state does not have the right to deny that right to its citizens.
We however celebrate the victory of People Power as today Mr William Ruto refused to sign the finance Bill into Law, this indeed is a reflection of how governments should be continuously held accountable by their own citizens who are first and foremost the owners of the state,not a few individuals within the Executive. Furthermore citizens should not be forced to fund corruption under the guise of raising government funds.
ZSM also encourages the Parliament to understand its role of representing the views and voices of the electorate who elected them to Parliament and not be whipped into accepting Executive orders.
*Zimbabwe Solidarity Movement Information Department*
