Raila Hits Ruto With 7 Demands After Meeting Each Other 3 Times

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, on Tuesday, May 16 demanded President William Ruto's government to address the pitfalls affecting Kenya's economy instead of tormenting Kenyans with more taxes.

Addressing the media at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Raila maintained his push for a major surgery to the proposed Finance Bill 2023 for the sake of Kenyans across the divide.

Furthermore, the former Prime Minister called for the government to get to the bottom of why the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is not meeting its revenue targets as it should.

"Instead of merely levying more taxes on Kenyans, Kenya Kwanza must address the economy’s many structural shortcomings.

"For instance, there is a reason why the Kenya Revenue Authority is unable to meet its revenue targets. Kenya Kwanza must figure out and address the problem," Raila stated.

The Azimio leader further made reference to the country's cash flow problem which he termed was occasioned by the weakening of the Kenyan currency against not just the United States (US) dollar but also its counterpart in neighbouring Tanzania.

"The weakness is not just vis-à-vis the US dollar. Our currency fell significantly against the Tanzanian shilling – by nearly 10 per cent since last September.

"This suggests that domestic factors are causing part of the decline of the Kenyan shilling.  Kenya Kwanza must get to the bottom of this problem and stabilize the shilling," he demanded.

Raila also compelled Kenya Kwanza to strengthen and not undermine critical institutions such as those tasked with fighting corruption, collecting revenue and investigating as well as prosecuting crimes.

He further demanded the government to cut down on its rampant spending using public coffers on projects and programs that were unnecessary to the country's development.

"Kenya Kwanza must incorporate all productive citizens into its nation-building projects. Currently, the regime has alienated a huge section of the population who see themselves as outsiders and strangers in their own country

"Kenya Kwanza must rationalize public expenditure. It must live within its means, instead of spending money it does not have on programs and projects the country does not need," he went on.

Raila also demanded Ruto's government to address the public concern that even as taxes rise on everything and for everyone, there is no clear plan to spend new tax revenues on welfare programs for the poor.

He warned that the increment of taxes will only stoke inflation and hurt the purchasing power of poor families.

Raila also didn't shy away from encouraging Kenyans to continue voicing their opinions, particularly on the tax reforms and to convince the elected leaders to unite with them while fighting for their rights.

"We appeal to all Kenyans to participate actively in the process of validation and express themselves loudly and clearly that they cannot take any more burden. We equally encourage our people to lobby our elected leaders to stand with the people on this matter," he went on.

Raila threatened to return to mass action across the country, which Azimio had suspended to pave the way for bipartisan talks with the government, should the proposals in the Finance Bill sail through the National Assembly.

"Finally, we make it clear that if this Bill is railroaded through Parliament, Kenya Kwanza must prepare that we will have no option but to mobilize citizens around the country to fight for themselves.

"We will have no option but to mobilize all the social sectors and take all the necessary political actions to stop this blow and burden," Raila concluded.