The National Council of Churches has backed the March 20 mass action called by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to protest against the rising cost of living.

In a press statement on Wednesday, Nyanza regional NCCK chairman Bishop David Kodia said the Kenya Kwanza government appears helpless in the face of the rising cost of basic commodities.

"Commodities such as unga, petrol, cooking oil, and bread have all increased in prices in recent months ranging from 20 to 40 per cent," the council said.

Raila declared the start of mass action to mount pressure on the government to institute measures to lower the cost of living.

He said the defiance protests are also aimed at seeking electoral justice and denouncing the continued appointment of two communities in state agencies. 

Kodia said the demonstrations, which have already started in some parts of the country including Kisumu are a show of how dire things have become. 

"These demonstrations we are witnessing from Azimio is a way of protesting against what's happening, against exclusivity that we are witnessing in this country where by two communities tend to control everything," he said.

"Whereas when it comes to taxation, all of us pay taxes, even those who did not vote for the government pay taxes." 

He said what the people are asking for is their right and not a privilege and urged the government to embrace dialogue and address the grievances of those who feel aggrieved.

"We are not seeking for favours, we are seeking mutual respect for each other's view," he said.