The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance on Friday, February 10, concluded a two-day Parliamentary Group meeting held in Machakos County.
The Azimio team agreed upon several resolutions aimed at strengthening the party and keeping the government in check during the meeting.
In a statement issued by Raila Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Azimio coalition promised to oppose various government plans, one of them being the plan to privatize 18 loss-making parastatals through the National Securities Exchange.
“These entities, some of which are critical to our nation’s security, must be allowed to continue serving the public good rather than lining the pockets of individuals,” reads part of the statement.
“Further, these parastatals are public property and cannot be sold without Parliamentary approval. The current attempt to amend the law so that these parastatals are sold at the whim of administration will be resisted by the people of Kenya.” The statement further reads.
Moreover, the Raila Odinga-led coalition wants the Kenya Kwanza government to move quickly address the confusion surrounding the implementation of the Junior High School program.
“Azimio pays tribute to the late Prof. George Magoha whom we lay to rest tomorrow for his passion, vision and resolve that is now missing. Had this administration let Prof. Magoha stay, we are sure we would not have witnessed the confusion we see today.” Azimio stated.
Likewise, Azimio wants the government to fast-track the disbursement of HELB loans to university students due to the increasing inflation witnessed across the country.
As such the coalition has asked President Ruto to reinstitute affordable catering services in all public universities to cushion students from the high cost of living.
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Nevertheless, the coalition also resolved to support devolved functions such as water, health and agriculture transferred to counties while urging the president William Ruto-led administration to release funds set aside for county development which they claim the regime is withholding.
“The Kenya Kwanza regime must immediately stop all lies and release the NG-CDF and NGAF monies to all constituencies to help ease the burden of people for whom these funds are a lifeline. Twice the regime has promised to release the money but failed to keep its word,” read the statement in part.
Furthermore, Azimio asked President Ruto to employ over 4,000 doctors who remain jobless despite their qualifications to improve the country’s Universal Health Care agenda.
“Kenya Kwanza must immediately make it possible for county governments to employ these doctors as part of the process to achieve UHC,” said the coalition.
Similarly, the outfit wants Kenya Kwanza to bring down the cost of goods and services and in addition increase the minimum wage to keep it above inflation.
“The cost of living was supposed to come down immediately when the administration took power but today the administration does not even mention it. Unga was supposed to be trading at 70 now,” said Azimio.
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Nonetheless, Raila Odinga reiterated that the coalition does not recognize Ruto’s presidency, adding that Azimio will not participate in the reconstitution of IEBC through the formula and process being proposed by the Kenya Kwanza regime.
