I know how to run the economy, Raila tells Ruto

 

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has continued his anti-Finance Bill rhetoric and called on Kenyans to oppose the proposed tax measures at all costs.

Speaking on Wednesday during the Nairobi Youth and Women Empowerment Programme, Raila said he has instructed Azimio allied lawmakers to shoot down the Bill when it comes to the floor of the House for voting.

"Yesterday I was here with our MPs and I told them I don't want to see even a single MP supporting it. I want our MPs to stand up and be counted," he said.

"We will count those who will oppose and those who will support so that the voters who elected them know who the betrayers are."

The ODM leader told President William Ruto that he is opposed to the Finance Bill because he has been in government before and knows how the economy runs.

He said during his stint as the country's Prime Minister, they implemented an economic stimulus programme with the late President Mwai Kibaki to boost economic growth and lead the Kenyan economy out of recession.

"Tunajua kuendesha uchumi. Tuliingia kwa serikali kama uchumi ilikuwa imeathirika kuliko hapa (We know how to run the economy, we got into government when the economy was worse than it is today)," Raila said.

He said among their brainchild was the introduction of free primary education which they ensured was implemented without fail as they had pledged during Narc campaigns.

Raila said because of the introduction of free education, schools were full to the brim such that pupils had to learn under trees and some in makeshift classrooms in tents.

Ruto has continued to push for the passage of the Finance Bill amid stiff opposition from political leaders, the clergy, and various organisations.

The Bill which seeks to expand the tax base and increase revenue collection contains contentious tax proposals including the mandatory three per cent levy towards the Housing Fund. 

Azimio under Raila's leadership termed the measures "a masterclass in making every Kenyan miserable."

Raila on Tuesday held a Parliamentary Group meeting in Nairobi to give the way forward after the bipartisan talks which aimed to resolve contentious issues around the Bill and electoral concerns hit a snag last week.

The meeting resolved to give the Kenya Kwanza government until midnight to address their concerns or have the bipartisan talks suspended.

"Kenya Kwanza has until midnight Tuesday, otherwise the talks remain suspended," National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi said after the meeting.

On Wednesday, co-chair of the talks Otiende Amollo announced that the talks had collapsed after the Kenya Kwanza side failed to hold the end of its bargain to restore talks.

"In the circumstances, it is our considered opinion that the appropriate action is to adjourn the talks sine die in accordance with clause 36 of the Framework agreement which we hereby invoke," Amollo said in a letter addressed to co-chair George Murugara.   BY THE STAR