Eric Omondi’s Madaraka Day message to Ruto

Comedian Eric Omondi has sent a poignant Madaraka Day message to President William Ruto. The comedian and content creator who has morphed into an activist asked the Head of State to address what he descibed as the pressing matter on the cost of living. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram where he boasts of more than four million followers, the comedian suggested there was no cause for celebration on this Madaraka Day as Kenyans continue to endure hardships. Embu County is hosting the 60th Madaraka Day celebrations since Kenya gained its independence. Madaraka Day is a national holiday that is celebrated by Kenyans every June 1, 2023. On this day in 1093, Kenya attained internal self rule after being a British colony since 1920. The comedian also urged the President to reconsider some of the contents in the controversial Finance Bill. "Dear Mr. President... Today is a good day to Declare "Finance Bill 2023 Null and Void," said Omondi. "Let's get back to the drawing board. People are suffering and you can declare Freedom to them this "Madaraka" day by Lifting the heavy burden of Over - Taxation, Especially on the poor. Young people are the most affected." He added that the younger generation is immensely affected, with content creators barely able to sustain themselves, merely scraping by. "Let's call them and Listen to them and Support them and then maybe in the future we can Tax them but for now Taxing them is Killing them," Eric said. This is the first time President Ruto is presiding over Madaraka Day since he was voted into office in September 2023. The event was graced by among other H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, and Chairperson of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, the former President of the Republic of Niger, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In his speech President Ruto appreciated the challenges faces Kenyans including lack of jobs, affordable housing and high cost of living and promised to provide solutions.