Editor's Review

You know I'm the deep state in this government, demonstrations that are not peaceful won't be allowed - Mike Sonko.

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has implored the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party to hold peaceful mass action protests.

Speaking in a funeral in Makueni county on Saturday, June 10, Sonko said he would not allow the opposition leaders, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka included, to lead the youths into destroying property.

"You know I'm the deep state in this government. Mass demonstrations is your constitutional right but destroying properties of Kenyans we won't allow. You can go to the streets, I won't be there," he said.

The former county boss sympathised with Kalonzo over the roles of opposition he has bestowed on himself.

He however vowed to continue respecting the one-time vice president despite the difference in political leanings.

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko arriving for a funeral in Makueni accompanied by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

"Our leader is facing difficulty. He is always in street demonstrations where there is teargas and even bullets. Let's pray for him over the difficult opposition roles he is undertaking. 

"Let's not allow politics to divide us. We cannot disown him just because he is in the opposition," said Sonko.

The opposition led by former prime minister Raila Odinga has declared it would be calling street demonstrations should the Finance Bill 2023 be passed in the National Assembly.

It has been the opposition's constant position that the bill would overburden Kenyans who are already grappling with high taxation and exorbitant cost of living.

The bill is currently before the August House whose members are yet to deliberate on.

President William Ruto has vouched for the bill which he says would transform the economy and solve the unemployment crisis among the youths.

Proposed in the bill is a raft of revenue-raising measures as the government seeks to increase funds to finance the Sh 3.6 trillion budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year.