Wiper Democratic Movement Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has weighed in on the conversation regarding the proposed introduction of tolls on major roads within the country.
Speaking during a media conference in Embu on Sunday, August 18, Kalonzo sharply criticized President Ruto’s administration for trying to impose additional taxes to an already overburdened population.
“We know that these people are desperate; they cannot wait to raid the people’s pockets again,” he said.
He specifically opposed the idea of road tolls, suggesting that if Ruto’s government wants to implement them, they should build their own roads instead of charging for those constructed by previous administrations.
“I want to tell Ruto and his people if you want to bring road tolls again, please go build your own roads not the ones that Kibaki and Uhuru built and then you can introduce the tolling,” said the Wiper Leader.
Kalonzo Protests the Tolling of Thika Superhighway
Additionally, Kalonzo pointed out the Thika Superhighway built during the Kibaki regime, which he was a part of, emphasizing that it was built to benefit the community.
“For example, the Thika Superhighway Kibaki and us gave the people of this region ability to get to their farms and to their respective places.”
Also Read: KeNHA Lists Roads Kenyans Will Pay to Use in New Proposal
He argued that imposing tolls on such roads would amount to raiding the public’s pockets.
“If you introduce a road toll on Thika Superhighway, what are you trying to do you are raiding fund from the people’s pockets so we will challenge that effectively,” he said.
Kalonzo urged citizens to resist the toll proposal and called on them to hold their members of Parliament accountable if the bill is introduced in Parliament.
“We will not allow and if they bring it through Parliament call them out, call members of parliament out,” he emphasized.
KeNHA Lists Roads Considered in New Proposal
Kalonzo remarks come days after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a statement on August 13, listing the various major roads targeted under the new tolling proposal.
The authority noted that some of the roads being considered include the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway and Thika Superhighway.
Also Read: KeNHA Clarifies on How Road Maintenance Levy Funds Will Be Spent
Others considered are, the Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass and the Dongo Kundu Bypass.
KeNHA however, acknowledged the concerns from Kenyans regarding the proposal and assured that the policy will only be developed following extensive public participation.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development of a Road Tolling Policy.”
“The Authority assures the public that this Policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard,” the statement read in part.
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