Gachagua to Raila: Who voted for you?

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday responded to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, a day after the opposition leader gave out 10 demands to the government.

The former Prime Minister called out President William Ruto's administration for seeking to tax Kenyans more, through the Finance Bill, 2023.

He demanded that the government withdraws the bill, seals all corruption loopholes, and the president cuts down on domestic and foreign trips as some of the measures aimed at raising money to fund the 2023/2024 budget.

Speaking in Meru County, Gachagua however told Odinga off.

"He has given demands? He is giving demands as who? Who voted for you? Who are you in Kenya? Wait until 2027 you come and persuade these people to come and give you an opportunity," retorted Gachagua.

According to the August, 2022 presidential election results, Ruto won the contest with 7.1 million votes, against Odinga's 6.1 million.

That means Odinga definately has a constituency that voted for him.

Gachagua accused Odinga of ruining plans of the previous administration, after the 2018 handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"You left us a country that is torn apart and you destroyed the Jubilee agenda. You stopped housing, you stopped universal healthcare and you took us into useless ventures like the BBI."

"You had the opportunity to do those things you are saying. Can you sit back and watch how governance is done. We are focused; we have a manifesto and we have a plan for the people of Kenya," added the second in command.

Odinga is opposed to the finance bill, which proposes among others a 3% housing levy.