Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing RPF Inkotanyi supporters at Mbonwa Site in Karongi District, the incumbent President said that Rwandans should seize their opportunities and participate in the nation’s development.

He cited Lake Kivu and the beautiful mountains in Karongi District, Rutsiro, and others that span the border, stating, “Lake Kivu, and these beautiful mountains surrounding Rwanda, we must utilize them. […] We must be healthy to see how we can build upon what we have together.”

Regarding Rwanda’s stable security, Kagame reminded residents that it was achieved through the participation of all Rwandans, emphasizing that the country’s development hinges on this stability.

The chairman of RPF Inkotanyi led the struggle of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) to liberate Rwanda from October 1990 to July 1994.

He explained that in 1996 he arrived in the Western (Karongi) and found that there was one part of Rwandans who were in DRC while the other part were in Rwanda. He informed the Congolese government that he wanted them to return home, and this was achieved, leaving only a few who sought to disrupt security.

He said, “I remember, it’s been a long time, I think it was in 1996. When I came here, I found that one part of Rwandans is here, and the other is across the water in Congo. Then I told them that those Rwandans who were on the other side, we want them to return. Many of them came home, a few wanted to cause problems and stayed there, and some of them may still be there or went somewhere else.”

Kagame announced that the Rwandans still in the DRC would be fine and that Rwanda would welcome them, settle them like Rwandans, and build the country.

The RPF candidate told the residents that after achieving security, the next step was building national institutions and effective administration based on the principles of the community and the new Rwanda.

He said, “Furthermore, beginning with security means constructing institutional leadership and effective governance that lead well, adhering to the principles of the RPF and those of the new Rwanda, with the RPF and its partners advancing Rwanda further. Leading well entails ensuring that Rwandan citizens receive what they deserve and can witness it. Good governance excludes leaders who appropriate public resources for personal gain. What we oppose, you too should oppose and reject.”

He informed the people that by voting for him on July 15, 2024, they would be choosing to continue the journey of nation-building.

Upon arriving at Kamarampaka Stadium, the incumbent President Kagame was greeted with a joyful atmosphere and songs from a crowd of Rusizi residents and neighbouring districts.

Kagame expressed his gratitude to the event participants, highlighting that this campaign stage is a significant moment to appreciate the progress made while remembering Rwanda’s history.

He acknowledged that all achievements are due to the patriotism of every citizen who has dedicated themselves to building Rwanda, and that the best has already been accomplished.

“Thanks to our security, no one can find a point of entry to destabilize us!” he declared.

He emphasized that Rwanda’s external enemies cannot penetrate the country and keep their malevolence to themselves.

“All they have left is to wish us harm,” he added.

To help the youth understand their duty and responsibility to preserve this security and the progress already achieved, Kagame referred to Rwanda’s journey from the tragic history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which the RPF’s policies have transformed into current success.

Kagame expressed his confidence that Rwandans will always work to protect Rwanda and its progress.

“Everything that has been achieved is thanks to you; the RPF has worked with you. You are truly Inkotanyi,” he stated.

He added that the journey has been long, much has been accomplished, and the future holds even more progress.

“We will undoubtedly achieve it,” he asserted confidently to his patriotic citizens.

“You, the youth, look at where Rwanda came from and where it is today. You have a dual responsibility to continue building on the gains and to protect them against any threat,” he urged.

“We will protect our security,” the youth shouted again, reassuring Kagame of their strong sense of responsibility for Rwanda’s well-being.

The RPF chairman is running against Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is vying for the presidency on an independent ticket.

The campaigns will close on July 13. Approximately 9.5 million people have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.

He made the remarks in Huye District, Southern Province, where he continued his campaign activities on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The RPF flagbearer started by thanking the citizens, especially those who gathered in Huye District including residents from Gisagara, Nyanza, and Nyaruguru, reminding them of Rwanda’s collective achievements.

Kagame urged Rwandans to vote for him on July 15, 2024, to continue the journey of building the nation that began after its liberation in July 1994.

The people responded unanimously, saying, “It’s you!” and he responded, “I agree. What convinces me is that what you choose for me, you will also do. So my task is straightforward: to move forward together.”

He continued, “You already know, the progress will continue year after year. The election date is approaching quickly as if it knows that we are all eagerly awaiting it. It’s soon! Actually, with all of you gathered here in such large numbers, it feels like the election has already concluded. Therefore, that excitement compels us to act (to vote) so that we can expedite our work of building the nation. The youth here — when I look at your numbers and other places I have been — you give hope to everyone.”

The people sang, “Continue the path you started, if you falter, you’ve made the right choice, Lord be with you.” That’s how it is.”

Kagame assured those gathered in Huye District that if they vote for him, he will return to thank them.

The RPF chairman is running against Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is vying for the presidency on an independent ticket. Six other independent candidates had their candidature rejected after failing to meet several requirements set by the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The campaigns will close on July 13. Approximately 9.5 million people have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Kenyan Head of State bowed to pressure to drop the Bill after angry protesters overwhelmed the police, invaded, and set ablaze a section of Parliament moments after lawmakers passed the contentious Bill on Tuesday.

The violent confrontation between the police and the young “Gen Z” protesters sadly resulted in the deaths of several people and left scores injured, prompting condemnation from the United Nations, the African Union, and several foreign diplomatic missions in Nairobi.

On Wednesday, just hours after he threatened to crack down on the “organizers and financiers” of the protests, Ruto made a surprise U-turn, conceding to the demands from the protesters and calls for dialogue from the international community.

In a televised speech from State House Nairobi, President Ruto said, “The people have spoken… I concede,” promising to engage the young people he had earlier described as “dangerous criminals” and plotters of “treasonous” activities.

“Having reflected on continuing the conversation around the Finance Bill, and listening to the Kenyan people who say they want nothing to do with this Bill, I concede.

“Therefore, I will not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and it shall be subsequently withdrawn and I have agreed with these members, that shall become our position,” President Ruto stated.

The withdrawal of the Bill, however, complicates matters for President Ruto, who has recently initiated various measures aimed at maintaining Kenya’s creditworthiness in international markets. This comes amid criticism over alleged insensitivity to the welfare of Kenyans grappling with the high cost of living exacerbated by new taxes introduced after Ruto took office.

Currently, the country’s debt burden stands at 68% of GDP, which exceeds the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s recommended threshold of 55% of GDP. Kenya’s GDP stands at $113.4 billion.

Watch this video to learn more about the Finance Bill protests in Kenya and the impact of President Ruto’s concession.

For the first time in Kenya’s 61 years of independence, angry protesters stormed Parliament in Nairobi yesterday, causing massive destruction after lawmakers defied calls to reject the Finance Bill 2024, which seeks to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes for the government.

At least five people were shot dead by the police and more than 31 others were injured in the violent confrontation, according to Amnesty International.

Uhuru said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives, calling on the current administration to listen to the people to avert more loss of life.

“I come to you with a heavy heart. Saddened by the loss of lives occasioned by the current situation prevailing in our country. It is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010. It is also the duty of leaders to listen to those they lead,” the former Kenyan Head of State stated.

“Leaders must know that power and authority they have is donated to them by the people. I therefore call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not be antagonistic to them. Violence on either side is not the answer,” he added.

As a former president, Uhuru said he had felt the weight and the difficulty of leading Kenya and called for wisdom and civility to navigate the current crisis.

“Dear Kenyans, I stand with you and I ask our leadership to embrace dialogue and speak to the people and not at the people. I pray for peace and understanding on the part of each and every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed,” Uhuru added.

Odinga, on his part, urged the state to “stop murdering Kenya’s children.”

He said Ruto’s administration had refused to listen to the cries of Kenyans on high taxation and is instead pushing through additional taxes amid the high cost of living.

“Matters that should have been resolved through dialogue and humility have degenerated into developments that have never been witnessed in the 61-year history of our country since Independence,” Odinga stated.

“I am deeply troubled by the violent and deadly crackdown on young, peaceful protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

The former Kenyan Prime Minister called on Ruto’s government to suspend the Finance Bill and pave the way for dialogue with the young people, “Gen Z,” who comprised the majority of the protesters.

“Kenya cannot afford to kill its children just because the children are asking for food, jobs and a listening ear. This Bill is neither an emergency nor a life-and-death matter for the government and Kenyans,” he noted.

“Kenyans will recall that when there was a standoff in the last Parliament over calls for the reduction of tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent, the then Jubilee government agreed to suspend that provision and fell back on the old Finance Act until a consensus was reached. The same can happen today, with the government suspending the current Finance Bill and continuing with the Finance Act of last year.”

He urged the East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations to immediately be seized of the unfolding situation in Kanya to save lives and the country.

“I mourn with the families that have lost loved ones and stand with them in the ongoing struggle for Justice and economic liberation,” he added.

President Ruto on Tuesday night termed the protests as treasonous and labelled the protesters as dangerous criminals. He vowed to crack down on the “organisers and financiers of the protests” to prevent a repeat of the same.

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The Finance Bill 2024 is the latest in a series of measures aimed at maintaining Kenya’s creditworthiness in international markets. Currently, the country’s debt burden stands at 68% of GDP, which exceeds the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s recommended threshold of 55% of GDP.

Pressure from Kenyans last week saw the Head of State allow several amendments. These included the withdrawal of proposed 16% VAT on bread, a 2.5% motor vehicle tax increase, and a hike in the tax on mobile money transfers from 15% to 20%.

Additionally, the proposal to introduce a Ksh150 per kilogram eco-tax on plastic packaging materials, batteries, and hygiene products such as diapers and sanitary pads was dropped.

Other taxes that remain untouched include proposals to increase import taxes from 2.5% to 3% of the item’s value, payable by the importer at the port, as well as a 16% tax on goods and services intended for the direct and exclusive use in the construction and equipping of specialized hospitals with a minimum bed capacity of 50. Kenyans have expressed concerns that the latter could lead to higher costs for accessing critical health services such as cancer treatment, diabetes care, kidney dialysis, and other chronic illnesses.