Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has blamed Kenya Kwanza government’s ‘bad policies’ for the current dilapidated economy.
“Economy is hurting, not because of demonstrations but because of the bad policies by Kenya Kwanza… they don’t care about the common people.” Raila stated.
The opposition chief, while speaking during the International Press Association of East Africa press conference on Tuesday, July 25 noted that Azimio Coalition would have handled the debt situation in the country much better as opposed to increasing taxes.
“Azimio would have handled situation in the country differently to the satisfaction of Kenyans,” he said.
He opined that it doesn’t make sense for the government to deal with the cost of living by increasing taxes.
“You do not deal with the cost of living by increasing taxes, if you increase taxes, you increase the cost of living.” Raila noted.
“They say the are increasing taxes because they want to pay debts, and I say that there are other ways in which you can deal with debt crisis.” He added.
Likewise, Mr. Odinga told members of the press that the anti-government protests were not responsible for the dilapidated economy.
Also Read: Azimio Calls off Wednesday Maandamano
Ethnic Profiling
He said the fight is for all Kenyans and not just for the Azimio Coalition leaders when responding to the question on why he was not at the forefront of last week’s three-day protests.
However, the Azimio leader accused the government of targeting the Luo tribe especially from Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties.
Raila claimed that anti-riot police in the three regions used live bullets to disperse protestors leading to several casualties.
He further noted that poisoned arrows were used to attack residents of Sondu market in Kisumu County.
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Offered to Mediate
When asked about holding talks with President William Ruto, the ODM leader said his side is open to dialogue but they are not looking for a power-sharing deal.
“We have always been open to dialogue, but we do not want nusu mkate,” he responded.
He also revealed that Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu had offered to mediate talks between the opposition and the Kenya Kwanza government.
According to the opposition leader, President Samia Suluhu visited the country two weeks ago and spent two nights in the country.
However, she was kept waiting for two days until she eventually left the country.
Also Read: I am Sick – Raila on Missing Azimio Protests
“Two weeks ago, Mama Samia Suluhu came to Nairobi to try and mediate but she was kept waiting for 2 days and went back,” he said noted.
“Many eminent persons both local and international have tried to mediate between Azimio and Ruto’s side but they have been kept at bay by Kenya Kwanza.” He added.
Funding for Maandamano Victims
The former prime minister announced that they would be rolling out a funding kitty for families and victims of police brutality.
He noted that Kenyans of goodwill will directly channel their contributions to the kitty to help pay medical and hospital bills for Kenyans who were injured during the anti-government protests.
