- Raila criticised the tax hikes saying they have made life unbearable for most Kenyans.
- "The government officials are worsening the cost of living because they have no idea on how to make it better," he said.
Image: JOSIAH ODANGA
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has now said a more intense push against the unpopular policies of government will be witnessed after the festivities.
He urged Kenyans to "prepare for tough times" as he leads the push against the unpopular government policies next year.
"I do not want to speak further about it because I am in church and in the festive mood," he said.
Speaking when he attended a church service at St Peters ACK in Nyamira, Bondo, Raila criticised the tax hikes saying they have made life unbearable for most Kenyans.
"The government officials are worsening the cost of living because they have no idea on how to make it better," he said.
"They are hoping that increasing taxes will solve the problem of liquidity...but you are taxing the same pool! You are taxing yourself (who is already poor. Imposing too much taxes on the people will lead to tax evasions, thus less collections."
Earlier on, Azimio-One Kenya, and Kenya Kwanza legislators had sharply differed on whether Raila should lead the push for the reduction of the cost of living.
The ODM party leader also urged Kenyans to embrace forgiveness and express love for neighbor, as was embedded in the teachings of Jesus.
"To get something better you need to sacrifice; you need to love your neighbor like yourself; forgive; and heal those who need to be healed," he said.
The opposition leader illustrated that Kenya needs to heal from the bitterness and hatred that it has had to endure in the past.
"This country needs to heal from bitterness and hatred. We forgive those who have wronged us this year and (expect to be forgiven by) those whom we have wronged," he said.
"Christmas signifies the birth of Jesus Christ. It tells you about love, peace, charity, perseverance, bravery, and fortitude," Raila said.
He explained that, like the Biblical Jesus of Nazareth, Kenyans need to sacrifice to save the country, which he said is headed in the wrong direction.
In the spirit of giving, Raila later shared bread and some monetary donation at his father's Kang'o Kajaramogi home.
"We wish our people all the best during this festive season," he said.
He also notified the church congregants of the upcoming 30th death anniversary celebrations of his late father and the first Vice President of Kenya Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The celebrations will happen both at home in Bondo and in Kisumu.
"Next year, in a few days time, on January 20, we will have the 30th anniversary of the death of Jaramogi. We'll have a church service in Kisumu's St Peter's Cathedral, followed by a Jaramogi Memorial Lecture at Ofafa Memorial Hall," he said.
The lecture will be done in honour of Jaramogi, whose spirit, he said, lives on.
Raila was flanked by Senator Oburu Oginga and politicians James Orengo (Siaya County Governor), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja MP) and Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga MP).
Adding his voice to the criticism of the government, Governor Orengo said that "You look at the 10 fastest growing economies in Africa, Kenya is not there but some of our neighbours are are doing very well."