Raila Slams Ruto’s Economic Agenda
Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition party Azimio, has criticized President William Ruto’s economic policies, which he deems insensitive to Kenyans’ emotions.
Raila stated in a 43-point statement released on Tuesday that Ruto proceeded to impose punitive taxes on Kenyans despite all indications that citizens were unaware of the revenue-raising proposals in the Finance Bill, 2023.
“Before the vote on what is now the Finance Act, more than 90 percent of Kenyans rejected it, according to surveys. Even after MPs voted in favor of the Act, a majority of Kenyans disapproved of it, according to polls.
Raila was speaking when he convened with the International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA) at a hotel in Nairobi, ostensibly to exchange opinions.
The leader of the opposition acknowledged that the high cost of living is not a uniquely Kenyan issue, but Kenya is the only country that has adopted punitive containment measures that are detrimental to its citizens.
According to him, no other nation responded to the high cost of living by increasing taxes as did Kenya.
“Nearly all other nations adopted policies that alleviated the suffering. “Kenya adopted policies that exacerbated the suffering,” he said.
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Raila stated that while Kenya needs to honor its debt obligations, increasing taxes to pay the bill was a mistake that should have been avoided.
He stated that the government had the option to request a highly concessional rescheduling of external and domestic public debt, including debt owed to China.
Kenya could have pursued a similar approach to commercial debt. It chose to impose taxes on its citizens. He posed the question, “What are citizens to do in such circumstances?”
Raila simultaneously defended the opposition for failing to veto the Finance Bill, claiming that the Kenya Kwanza government used an artificial numerical advantage to pass it.
According to him, the government embarked on an undemocratic scheme and wooed opposition lawmakers to achieve an artificial majority in the House of Representatives.
“These legislators collaborated with the executive branch to oppose the will of the people. Consequently, protection and respect for the independence and autonomy of political parties in the spirit of multiparty democracy is a central issue we are pursuing against this administration,” he explained.
Raila Slams Ruto’s Economic Agenda
