Raila Allies Challenge President Ruto’s Stance on Fuel Prices, Accuse Government of Deception
Summary:
- MPs aligned with Raila Odinga challenge President Ruto’s statement that the government has no role in reducing fuel prices, asserting the government’s significant influence in pricing.
- Opposition lawmakers, including John Mbadi and Senator Godfrey Osotsi, blame the government’s tax policies for the surge in fuel prices, emphasizing the need for the government to address the escalating cost of living.
In a recent rebuke, MPs aligned with Raila Odinga’s faction have contested President Ruto’s assertion that the government holds no responsibility in mitigating the soaring cost of fuel. Accusing Ruto of misleading the public, these lawmakers argue that the government plays a crucial role in determining fuel prices.
President Ruto, in a televised interview, claimed that external factors dictate fuel prices and absolved the government of any control over the fluctuations. However, opposition figures, including ODM chairman John Mbadi and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, countered this narrative, attributing the escalating fuel prices to the government’s tax policies.
Mbadi emphasized that various unnecessary taxes and levies imposed on fuel products contribute significantly to the high prices. He argued that reducing these levies, including the Railway Development levy and Petroleum Development Levy, would substantially lower the cost of fuel. Osotsi echoed these sentiments, insisting that the government cannot evade responsibility for imposing burdensome taxes on petroleum products.
Furthermore, Osotsi criticized President Ruto’s implementation of the affordable housing project without parliamentary approval. Responding to Ruto’s claim that funds from the housing levy are already being used for affordable housing construction, Osotsi contested the legality of the initiative, highlighting the lack of parliamentary endorsement for the housing levy deductions.
As the debate intensifies, Raila’s allies remain firm in their stance, asserting that the government must acknowledge its role in alleviating the financial strain on Kenyan citizens, particularly concerning fuel prices and taxation.
