The Azimio One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has blamed the Kenya Kwanza government led by president William Ruto for not fulfilling their promises to Kenyans.
Speaking at the burial in Mumias of Mama Philomena Mutwela, who is the mother to the Governor of Kakamega County, the opposition leader said the government should seek public participation and then proceed to the National Assembly before deciding on the increment in taxation. He stressed that no tax increment should be passed without the consent of the people.
“Kama wanataka kupandisha ushuru, waseme ni ngapi wanataka na tuende tusungumze kwanza sisi kama wananchi nje, public participation. Maneno ipelekwe kwa bunge. Hao wabunge waende wazungumzie hiyo maneno. Wakubali ama wakatae.” said the former Prime Minister.
Moreover, the leader blamed the government for not fulfiling their promises as said during their campaigns.
“They promised a Ksh.50 billion interest-free fund, and another Ksh.100 billion for women. But now they are changing their words. They are now saying no funds will be issued without paying interest. They said the price of fuel and unga would drop as soon as they are sworn in, now they are asking for one year.” said the ODM leader.
Odinga added they will convince the Members of parliament to reject the proposal on the rise in NSSF and NHIF.
“There must be public participation, you cannot rise one day and say you will increase NSSF, NHIF bila wabunge kujadiliana. Kwa hivyo, no taxation without representation.” said the opposition leader.
“If they want to increase taxes let them tell us how much and let us have our MPs discuss this matter. We will tell them to reject the proposals,” he added.
Speaking at KICC Nairobi during taxpayers’ day, president Ruto stated that the situation of the country was worrying and that urgent action needed to be taken. He added that new regulations for NSSF were being gazetted.
RELATED STORY: Raila: Be Strong Because I’m Not Yet Tired https://sonkonews.com/raila-be-strong-because-im-not-yet-tired/
