Kuria Shifts Focus to Azimio Coalition Amid Media Controversy
On Thursday, June 22, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria shifted his attention to the Azimio coalition, which opposed the Finance Bill 2023, just hours after President William Ruto shielded him from critics for his derogatory remarks against the media.
Kuria warned that he would lead a counter-protest to thwart the opposition’s plans, as Azimio planned to hold a public engagement forum at Kamukunji Grounds on Tuesday, June 27.
Kuria explained in an exclusive interview with GossipA2Z in our offices that Raila and his Azimio la Umoja coalition did not have a monopoly on organizing and conducting protests in the country, contrary to the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly and protest.
“They are free to demonstrate against the passage of the Finance Bill of 2023; nobody has prevented them.” We will also organize and demonstrate its support,” stated Kuria.
In addition, he accused Azimio la Umoja of attempting to incite the public as opposed to constructing persuasive arguments.
“Do they believe they control the streets? We have access to the same streets, and we will confront each other there,” warned Kuria.
Moses Kuria issued a stern warning to the Azimio la Umoja coalition when he stated, “The notion that someone has a monopoly on demonstrations in this country is an outright lie.”
The Finance Bill 2023 proposed several changes to the country’s tax laws, including an increase from 8% to 16% in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate on petroleum products.
ALSO READ: Raila Odinga’s Azimio Coalition Reveals Post-Finance Bill Plans
Moses Kuria, cabinet secretary for trade, defended the government’s decision to increase the value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products by stating that the increase would increase revenue and reduce the budget deficit.
Kuria explained, “Obviously, there will be some suffering and sacrifices to make, but as you are aware, we have no choice because we inherited a substantial amount of debt.”
He acknowledged that some critics had criticized the decision, but he urged Kenyans to recognize the country’s economic difficulties.
On Ruto Defending Him
President William Ruto defended Kuria against critics who accused him of threatening the media and attempting to influence publishing policies.
“I am relieved not only because the President defended me, but also because more people have criticized the media’s biased reporting.
“In reality, your rights end where others’ rights begin. Some of these falsehoods are extremely damaging to our businesses,” Kuria stated.
Sunday, June 18th, Kuria incited outrage by accusing Nation Media Group of providing biased coverage. Ruto was under pressure from the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and the opposition to distance himself from Kuria’s controversial remarks.
Ruto argued on Wednesday, June 21, that Kuria was free to express his opinion, but that the government had a constitutionally mandated duty to promote media freedom.
“We must protect the free press. We must defend their right to criticize and say whatever they wish, including writing propaganda and saying the incorrect thing. However, we must also defend the rights of those who hold the media accountable when it acts irresponsibly. We must defend the right of individuals like Moses Kuria to speak freely, just as we defend the freedom of the media to express any opinion, including the incorrect ones.
ALSO READ: Edible Oils Scam Unveiled: Azimio Coalition Demands Trade Secretary’s Resignation
Ruto retorted, “I saw a journalist say that the President should defend us from Moses Kuria, which is fine; I will do my part, but I want to know who will defend me from rogue media because I go through hell daily.”
Elimination of a 35% duty on Edible Oils.
The Trade Cabinet Secretary defended his advice to the Treasury and explained why he advised Cabinet Secretary Professor Njuguna Ndung’u to consider replacing the 35% duty on edible oils with a 10% export and investment promotion levy.
He reaffirmed that the action would prevent cartels from holding the government to ransom.
“Only when we observe bad behavior by the private sector do we intervene to restore order and sanity,” says the government.
Kuria stated, “There is a cartel of five companies holding 50 million Kenyans hostage over edible oil, and we must stand up to them.”
Kuria Shifts Focus to Azimio Coalition Amid Media Controversy
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