Ruto plots face-off with Uhuru over budget, vows to fight for ‘Wanjiku’

Deputy President William Ruto could be headed for yet another clash with President Uhuru Kenyatta after he vowed to rally his troops to reject the 2022-23 budget.

Ruto and his troops said the budget proposes to impose taxes on basic commodities at a time Kenyans are struggling to put food on the table.

“That budget that wants to increase the prices of unga, bread and cooking oil, we will oppose it," Ruto said in Kiambaa.

The DP, who took his vote hunt to the President’s Kiambu home turf, accused his boss and handshake partner Raila Odinga of being insensitive to the economic plight of Kenyans.

In the Finance Bill presented to Parliament by Treasury CS Ukur Yatani, the government introduced a 16 per cent Value Added Tax on both wheat and maize floor, heralding an increase in price of flour.

The items are currently zero-rated to make their prices manageable for Kenyans.

Ugali and chapati are Kenyans favourite meals and thus any slight increase in their prices will hit many families.

Parliament must approve the Bill which stipulates revenue raising measures for the Treasury to impose the taxes.

But the DP said they will fight tooth and nail to sink the proposal, adding that Kenyans need a relief, not more taxes.

“We will also shoot down the budget that they are proposing but in case they pass it, within three months, I will bring a supplementary budget that will accommodate hustlers,” Ruto said.

Ruto’s troops sounded the same warning, saying they will oppose the proposals or introduce a supplement after the August 9 election to scrap the taxes.

“Since the President shook hands with Raila, the prices of essential commodities have gone up,” Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki said.

“We will bring a supplementary budget to remove all these taxes that are making the prices of the essential commodities to go up,” he said.

MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu) and Rigathi Gachagua also said they will reject the budget on the floor of the National Assembly.

The DP and his brigade attended a service at Muongoiya ACK in Kiambaa constituency.

Later, he traversed the expansive Kiambu county, marketing his bid as he criticised Raila as a project imposed by "a few tycoons keen to protect their wealth."

“There are people who have organised themselves in offices and hotels and who want to create a government for the rich. We say no,” he said.

The DP addressed roadside rallies at Banana town in Kiambaa, Kiawaroga, Misri Junction and Thigio Ndeiya in Limuru constituency and Ruthigiti and Gikambura markets in Kikuyu constituency.

Ruto said he was better placed to sort out the many problems Kenyans are facing since he had grown in poverty like most of them.

He said his main competitor, Raila, has no record to show to the country and thus does not deserve to be elected.

The DP further accused his boss of attempting to force voters to elect  Raila as his successor

“I wish President Uhuru Kenyatta endorsed someone else to face me but not kitendawili (Raila).” 

He said the Kenya Kwanza Alliance will be keen on changing the face of politics in Kenya.

Ruto also accused Uhuru of failing to honour his 2017 election promises and using state institutions to persecute political opponents. 

He said his government will set priorities that will favour common mwananchi by introducing universal healthcare and infrastructure, as well as security.

Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo said he consulted widely on the grassroots level before endorsing William Ruto's candidature.

Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi accused the Jubilee administration of burdening common mwananchi.

He said the life of Kenyans has become too hard and Kenyans should vote for Ruto to restructure the economy.

Ichung'wa said Raila has destabilised most of the Jubilee projects that they had under the Big Four agenda and crippled the economy.

(edited by Amol Awuor)