- Raila said the Opposition will not allow Ruto's threats to undermine Kenya's democracy.
- "We have agreed with our MPs on what to do: vote against any tax rises," he said.
Image: RAILA ODINGA/TWITTER
Should President William Ruto overrun the National Assembly on Finance Bill 2023, we will regroup and overrun him, Azimio party leader Raila Odinga has said.
Speaking when he addressed the media on Thursday, Raila said the government has run out of ideas to explain why Finance Bill 2023 must be passed in Parliament.
"We have noted that the regime has run out of sound bites and explanations for these proposals and has resorted to threats," he said.
Raila said the Opposition will not allow Ruto's threats to undermine Kenya's democracy.
"We have agreed with our MPs on what to do: vote against any tax rises," he said.
"Should Ruto overrun the National Assembly, we will regroup and overrun him in the wider National Assembly of the whole people of Kenya."
Raila asked Kenyans to reject the excess taxations to finance wasteful expenditure. “It is urgent that we bring Ruto back to earth because he lives on another planet,” Raila said.
He said excessive taxation is stifling growth and he should stop adding more burden to Kenyans.
“We must tell Ruto that when people have to park cars at home because of cost of fuel, it is bad for the economy,” he said.
“We must tell Ruto that when Kenyans postpone traveling upcountry because they can’t afford fuel or fare, it is bad for the economy. "
The President had over the weekend said he is waiting to see the legislators who will oppose the Bill.
"I am waiting for the Members of Parliament who will go and vote against the employment of these young people, against housing that would give these people the chance to own a house with five per cent mortgage," he said.
The Bill proposes, among others, that employees contribute three per cent towards the Housing Fund Levy.
This, Ruto said, is not a tax but a contribution and saving scheme towards the affordable housing project.