Raila: I bought Mukami a house in Athi River

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader, Raila Odinga on Saturday urged President William Ruto to go slow on coming up with more taxes.

Speaking in Njabini, Nyandarua County during the funeral service of freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi, Odinga said Kenyans are facing economic hardships, due to the high cost of living.

“The cost of life has gone up. Do not bring up more taxes,” Odinga said.

President Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua were among those in attendance.

Through the Finance Bill, 2023, Ruto’s administration is proposing a wide range of taxes, including the housing levy, which has been capped at 3 per cent of each public servant’s gross salary.

Odinga, the ODM party boss applauded the government for the State funeral status accorded to Mukami, but wondered why flags were not hoisted at half mast.

He was accompanied by embattled Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, ex Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Wiper party boss Kalonzo Musyoka sent their apologies.

Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara and a host of other leaders who spoke before Odinga, urged him not to call for another round of street protests.

“Raila, I have been with you in Parliament with you. Kindly, do not return to the steers. Give the government time to work,” she urged.

However, the Azimio leader said they have the right to demonstrate peacefully, taking time to explain ‘two types of violence.’

“I detest violence because violence begets violence. There is oppressive violence which happens when police attack members of the public protesting peacefully. Then there is defensive violence, which occurs when public throw stones against police. The two are not the same,” he said.

He called on Kenyans to unite, the same where they were united during the fight for independence.

The former Prime Minister said he knew the late Mukami 29 years ago.

Odinga said he bought her a house in Athi River when she complained to him that she was tired of renting, besides taking her grandson to India for medical studies.