Opposition accuse government of ploy to isolate Mt Kenya, profiling youths from the region
The opposition, Azimio One Kenya Coalition led by Raila Odinga and Martha Karua has accused the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating a ploy to politically and economically isolate the Mt Kenya region and alleged vilification of youths from the region.
In a scathing attack directed to president William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Karua singled out Azimio Council chairman, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta as a victim of targeted vilification alongside other leaders drawn from the Central Kenya region.
“The invasion of Jubilee Party must be seen in this light. It is an attempt to cripple Mt. Kenya Leadership and create a crisis of governance of political parties in the region.” Karua said.
She added: “We are seeing the profiling of Mt. Kenya youth as mungiki which amounts to an attempt by the regime to create an artificial crisis to justify violence against innocent young Kenyans.”
On his part, Raila said that on Thursday this week, Azimio will issue a comprehensive statement on the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition’s stance on the contentious Finance Bill, 2023.
“On the Finance Bill issue, we as Azimio will give a detailed statement on Thursday to tell Kenyans why we oppose it and what they should do if it is brought to parliament.” Raila noted.
He also called upon Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated Azimio reject the contentious Finance Bill 2023.
“The Azimio coalition has directed all our MPs to vehemently oppose the bill. The electorate should watch keenly for legislators who will support the bill because that will be betrayal to Kenyans.” Raila noted saying its proposals will burden Kenyans who are already facing harsh economic times.
“The proposed turnover tax is basically a tax on assets whose primary objective is to impoverish the mama mbogas, boda boda and other vulnerable Kenyans struggling to make a living in these difficult economic circumstances.” He added.
The controversial bill is scheduled to be tabled in parliament with a political showdown anticipated between the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza legislators who have differed on some of the proposals.
One of the main issues of contention in the Bill is the proposed mandatory 3 per cent Housing Fund levy which has attracted widespread opposition from any quarters.
