Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, has advised President William Ruto to reduce taxes on petroleum products to address the rising cost of living.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, Barasa pointed out that since the cost of petroleum products is influenced by global markets, Kenya's ability to impact it is limited.
He suggested that President Ruto could mitigate this by lowering taxes on these products.
"We know that the cost of petroleum products is influenced by global markets, where Kenya, as a country, may have a limited role. We can address this by reducing some taxes levied on petroleum products," Barasa said.
Barasa also urged President Ruto to refer to the economic charter and the Kenya Kwanza manifesto he signed to fulfil promises of reducing the cost of living.
"If President William Ruto wants to make Kenyans happy, he should revisit the economic charters he signed, including the UDA and the Kenya Kwanza manifesto. These documents outline what we committed to doing for Kenyans when in government," Barasa advised Ruto.
Furthermore, Barasa emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government should concentrate on reviving the economy and improving the living standards of the people.
The MP also urged President Ruto not to be distracted by opposition threats but to focus on constructive government interventions.
"Ruto should leave alone opposition threats and concentrate on how we can reconstruct the economy and lower the cost of living through meaningful government interventions," Barasa concluded.
Currently, fuel prices have reached over Sh2oo, with the latest EPRA review showing that super petrol prices remain unchanged at Sh217.36 per litre in Nairobi while diesel and kerosene dropped by Sh2 —a situation that has prompted a sharp rise in prices of basic commodities, including sugar and cooking oil.
“These characters seem power drunk, eating taxes with a big spoon, wearing the most expensive designer shoes and vomiting remnants on Kenyans who walk barefeet,” the Kimilili MP said.
This comes after the government increased the cost of crucial services, including the issuance of birth, death and marriage certificates, passports and ID cards.
Barasa is one of Ruto’s point men and fiercest defenders of the Kenya Kwanza regime.
“Things are taking a wrong trajectory; I’m raising my voice! Wananchi are suffering! The government must listen,” Barasa said.
