Raila to Ruto: Apologise for lying to Kenyans

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga wants president William Ruto to apologise to Kenyans.

Speaking during Azimio economic council in Nairobi on Thursday, Odinga said Ruto pledged to lower the cost of living in the country, but that is not the case if the Finance Bill, 2023 is anything to go by.

The opposition leader said the Head of State should just 'eat a humble pie,' withdraw the bill and apologise to Kenyans, for lying to them.

"We ask Ruto to humble himself, withdraw this bill, offer an apology and seek forgiveness from Kenyans for the anxiety caused, then begin afresh," said the ODM party leader.

He is opposed to the proposed 3 per cent housing levy and increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products, from the current 8 per cent to an all time high of 16 per cent, among others.

Odinga wondered why the budget for health in the bill is growing by Sh35 billion, yet the sector was devolved to counties under the current constitution.

"In the proposed bill, the budget for health is growing by Sh35 billion at the national level, yet health is a devolved function."

Instead of imposing more taxes on Kenyans to collect revenue, the former Prime Minister advised the president to reduce trips abroad, drastically reduce the size of his cabinet and seal all corruption loopholes.

Ruto's bid to appoint over 40 Chief Administrative Officers (CASs) was temporarily halted by the court.