‘Gharama ya maisha iko juu na mimi nakuambia kwa niaba ya watu’ – Raila tells Ruto

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance leader Raila Odinga complained to President William Ruto about the high cost of living during the burial of the late Mukami Kimathi – a late Mau Mau veteran.

Speaking on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Njambini in Nyandarua county, Raila lamented that the cost of living was high, telling Ruto that not everyone will face him and say the truth.

“Hawa watu hawatakuambia ukweli lakini Punda imechoka. Punda imechoka  kwa sababu ya garama ya juu ya maisha na mimi ndiye nakuambia kwa niaba ya watu,” Raila said.

On the proposed 3 per cent Housing Fund tax, Raila reiterated that Kenyan workers should be given the option of choosing if they want to pay or not since others already have their own houses.

“We must agree that when you tax people to build houses, first ask them to know if they are willing to get taxed and why should you tax someone who has a house?” Raila said.

Uhuru’s condolence

The Azimio leader conveyed a message of condolence from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to the family of the late Mukami Kimathi.

Raila said he was conveying his condolences on behalf of Uhuru, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua.

“I bring condolences from Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua,” he said.

Raila was accompanied by Jubilee party leader Jeremiah Kioni, former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.

Mukami is the wife of the late freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi whose body has never been found.

The deceased died on May 4, 2023, aged 96 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi after developing breathing difficulties.