Azimio La Umoja Coalition has called upon President William Ruto to take action against alleged attempts to derail the National Bipartisan Report.
The Coalition in a press statement on Tuesday, March 5, lauded Parliament for adopting the bipartisan report.
However, concerns have surfaced regarding purported efforts both inside and outside Parliament, particularly by entities affiliated with Kenya Kwanza, aiming to undermine the Bipartisan Report.
Azimio, in response, issued a stern warning, emphasizing severe consequences if any attempts to tamper with the report’s integrity were successful.
“We notify those forces that should any efforts to undermine or tamper with the report succeed, there will be a very heavy price to pay,” read the statement in part.
Azimio La Umoja specifically urged Ruto to intervene swiftly, urging him to rein in the Speakers of both houses of Parliament and certain members of the National Executive perceived as determined to obstruct the Bipartisan Report.
Also Read: Ruto Will be Taxing Every Kenyan Ksh27,000 Azimio
They further went on and stressed the urgency of expediting the processing of the Ichung’wa-Kalonzo led report and the associated bills.
At the same time, Azimio opposed what they deemed as “unreasonable and unsustainable” tax burdens imposed by the Kenya Kwanza regime.
High Cost of Living
The press briefing also focused on key national issues, including the high cost of living, inclusivity in public service appointments, the taxation regime, and the overall health of the economy.
Azimio maintained its stance on the tax policies, asserting that the current regime is failing to exhibit care and compassion.
They particularly highlighted taxation under Kenya Kwanza as a punitive measure, characterizing it as detrimental to the entire economy.
Specific objections were raised against the 16 percent tax on petroleum products, the housing tax with alleged colonial undertones, high PAYE rates for Kenyan workers, and the taxation of retiree pensions.
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Notably, Azimio La Umoja also strongly opposed subjecting farm produce to taxation, describing it as “unreasonable and cruel.”
They went ahead and urged farmers to resist the proposed tax, emphasizing the potential harm it could inflict on the agricultural sector.
Azimio Calls out Support for Raila’s AUC Bid
On Opposition chief Raila Odinga‘s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), Azimio reiterated its commitment to supporting the former Prime Minister.
They argued that that Odinga’s leadership in the AUC would be in the best interest of Kenya and the East African Community.
Also Read: Azimio Issues Statement on Raila AU Job
Acknowledging support from neighbors and across the continent, the Coalition praised Odinga’s personal efforts to secure the seat without relying solely on state endorsement.
They pledged to reach out to friends and fellow leaders to garner more support for Odinga’s bid.
At the same time, the leaders underscored the unity of the coalition, emphasizing its commitment to holding the Kenya Kwanza regime accountable and advocating for the rights and dignity of the Kenyan people.
