Wamalwa & Barasa Lock Horns at Funeral Over Soaring Living Costs
On Saturday, former defense cabinet secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Kimilili member of parliament Didmus Barasa engaged in a dispute concerning the exorbitant cost of living.
Disagreements emerged at a funeral in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County, after Wamalwa’s assertion that the Kenya Kwanza government had not fulfilled its commitment to reduce the cost of living and had been seeking a scapegoat for the nation’s myriad problems.
“The cost of living is high and Kenyans are hurting yet our friends are saying that this is a global problem and there is nothing they can do about it. Nothing can be further from the truth,” Wamalwa remarked.
The former CS contended that the disparity in petroleum prices between Tanzania and Kenya could not be attributed to Israeli or Pakistani interference.
“It is President William Ruto’s problem through high taxes. The Finance Act 2023 doubled the Value Added Tax on fuel,” Wamalwa stated.
As Barasa seized the microphone from Wamalwa and declared that the former CS lacked the moral authority to criticize the President, the situation escalated.
ALSO READ:
- Whistleblower Reveals Ksh4 Billion Windfall for 7 Law Firms Advising IEBC
- Why Ruto & Gachagua Receive Ksh650K Housing Allowance Despite Living in State Residences
- Kenyan Citizens Plan Mass Boycott of President Ruto’s X Space, Opt for Parallel Session
- Gov’t Suspends Recruitment in Public Service
- Nairobi County Lost Ksh 70 Million Daily Due to Protests, Governor Sakaja
Barasa responded that President William Ruto, except Wamalwa, who is rumored to have a strained relationship with the Head of State, is open to discussing strategies to reduce the cost of living with all legislators.
“Eugene Wamalwa you have no gravitas to lecture the government about the cost of living. You were the CS of Defence but did nothing,’ the MP stated.
The outspoken lawmaker added that Wamalwa ought to postpone his candidature for an elective position in his native county of Trans Nzoia until 2027.
Barasa further criticized Wamalwa, asserting that the former CS lacked innovative strategies for governing the nation.
However, despite criticizing Wamalwa, Barasa has been among the Kwanza leaders in Kenya who have urged the President to reevaluate petroleum prices in a downward direction.
President William Ruto assured the Kenyan public on Saturday that petroleum costs would be decreased for the second consecutive month.
Wamalwa & Barasa Lock Horns at Funeral Over Soaring Living Costs