Protesters stormed the streets of Siaya town Friday to agitate for the lowering of the cost of living that has since soared in the country.
They were responding to calls by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to put pressure on President William Ruto in commemoration of the 33rd 'Saba Saba' Day.
On Thursday evening, a group of people drove through the streets of town warning traders against opening their shops today (Friday).
"Tomorrow is Maandamano Day. We are advising you not to open your shops tomorrow because we want to agitate for better living conditions in this country," a voice announced from a public address system mounted on a pickup.
On Friday morning, The Star observed that most shops remained under lock and key, with traders stranded outside their shops.
There was no police presence.
Addressing the protesters at Ahindi Gardens, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi thanked the people for taking it to the streets.
He said that the main objective of the mass action is to force the government to repeal the Finance Act, 2023.
"We are declaring that we are opposed to the Finance bill, 2023 and we call upon the Rurto regime to begin the process of repealing the Act so that we can have taxes that our people can afford," Atandi said.
Repealing the Finance Act 2023, Atandi explained, will mirror the repealing of Section 2A in 1990 that ushered in multi-partyism.
The 1st Saba Saba rally in 1990 climaxed the agitation of the multi-partyism, leading to the repeal of Section 2A.
Atandi averred that the Finance Act 2023 is punitive and thus will sink many Kenyans into abject poverty.
Atandi claimed that there was no public participation thus the finance law is against the wants of the people.
He called on locals to boycott the purchase of basic commodities such as fuel.
In so doing, the citizenry will deny the Kenya Kwanza government an opportunity to collect taxes.
Atandi said that the protests will culminate in the collection of signatures to send the Kenya Kwanza administration home.
Siaya Woman Rep Christine Ombaka led similar protests in the Gem constituency.
Also, there were protests in Bondo town which saw the police engage protesters in running battles.