Editor's Review

The event in designated parts of the country would be symbolic of the current state of the economy.

The ODM party has announced that Kenyans across the country will be partaking in the celebration of Raila Odinga's birthday.

The longstanding opposition leader turned 79 years old on Sunday, January 7.

According to the political outfit, the cake-cutting sessions in the designated areas will be symbolic economic status quo.

Those willing to partake have been invited to the venues on Sunday evening.

"There will be cake-cutting ceremonies across the county at 3:00pm today at designated places to celebrate PL Raila Odinga's birthday. The cutting of the cake will be symbolic… ‘cut the cost of living and make life bearable for Kenyans," announced ODM.

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File image of Raila Odinga at a past political rally.

This came as Raila threatened to sanction a new round of nationwide mass action protests against the government.

Speaking on Saturday, December 30 in Siaya County, Raila demanded that the Kenya Kwanza government repeal the Finance Act 2023.

He argued that new taxes that came with the act have led to a tough economic situation across the country.

"We said the cost of living is high, and we told the government not to increase taxes. However, they went ahead and raised taxes, causing significant losses for Kenyans. We declare that in the new year, this tax law must be repealed. If they do not repeal the Finance Act 2023, we will return to the streets," Raila threatened.

The opposition chief in August last year called off the anti-government protests to pave the way for dialogue between Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza government.

The two coalitions formed a committee led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah.

Following the bipartisan talks, the committee in November released its report and made recommendations.

Raila endorsed the recommendations in the report saying the opposition got positive results from many issues they had set out.

The ODM leader however mentioned that the report was incomplete as it failed to address the high cost of living.

“We will seek other ways to press the government to listen to the cries of the people and bring down the cost of living. Other ways will not be limited to consultation with the people.

“At all times we will retain the right to call out the people to take steps that will deem necessary to force the government to lower the cost of living,” Raila stated.