Withdraw Finance Bill & Apologise- Raila Offers Ruto 10 Ways To Run Govt

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, June 8 demanded President William Ruto to issue an apology to Kenyans over the controversial Finance Bill 2023.

While addressing the press at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Raila urged the President to withdraw the Bill and seek forgiveness from Kenyans.

“We ask Ruto to humble himself, withdraw this bill, offer an apology, and seek forgiveness from Kenyans for the anxiety caused and begin afresh,” said Raila.

The former Prime Minister further demanded that Ruto should stop duplicating county roles and responsibilities that are proposed in the Financial Bill 2023.

“In the proposed bill budget for health is going for Ksh35 billion yet health is a devolved function,” he stated.

Raila further advised the Head of State to stop using the budget of former President Uhuru Kenyatta as a baseline and come up with a zero-based budget that runs from zero ground.

On how to lower the cost of living, Raila noted that Ruto should reduce the size of the Kenyan budget scheduled to be read on Thursday, June 15 and live within his means.

"Instead of imposing new taxes, seal the loopholes that lead to the loss of revenue," Raila told Ruto.

Raila further implored the President to stop non-essential government expenditures, reduce the size of government and cut non-essential domestic and international travel.

"Stop non-essential government expenditures, including the appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS)," Raila urged.

The opposition leader further demanded the freezing of ministerial out-of-station allowances, ministerial house allowances, and domestic allowances for Cabinet and Principal Secretaries.

"Stop corruption and theft of public funds," he added.

Raila argued that the 10-pointers were poised to place the economy on the path of prosperity instead of frustrating Kenyans with additional taxes.

He further instructed Azimio MPs to make sure that the Finance Bill doesn't make it through Parliament, vowing the return of nationwide protests should it be passed.

"Should Ruto overrun the National Assembly, we will regroup and overrun him in the wider National Assembly of the whole people of Kenya," Raila threatened.