RAILA’S ISSUES 10 STRANGE DEMANDS TO RUTO

Azimio leader Raila Odinga speaks during a media briefing at the jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi on May 16, 2023.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has issued ten demands to President William Ruto over Finance Bill 2023.

Raila now wants Ruto to stop burdening Kenyans and instead focus on lowering the cost of living.

Speaking on Thursday, Raila said the President should stop duplication of county roles and responsibilities.

“In the proposed Bill, the budget for health is growing by Sh35 billion at the national level, yet health is a devolved function,” he said.

Azimio wants Ruto to adopt zero-based budgeting and stop taking on the previous budget as the baseline.

Raila said that every budget must start at ground zero where everything has to be justified.

The ODM leader stated that Ruto should not grow the size of the budget but rather cut it down and live within the means.

“Instead of imposing new taxes, seal the loopholes that lead to loss of revenue,” he said.

Raila added that the President should stop non-essential government expenditures including the appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries.

He wants Ruto to reduce the size of the government and cut non-essential Domestic and international travel.

The Opposition boss said Ruto should freeze ministerial out-of-station allowances, ministerial house allowances and domestic allowances for cabinet and principal secretaries.

He said the President should stop corruption and theft of public funds.

“We ask Ruto to humble himself, withdraw this Bill, offer an apology and seek forgiveness from Kenyans for the anxiety caused, then begin afresh.”