Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

ODM leader Raila Odinga has asked the Kenya Kwanza politicians who spiritedly campaigned for the introduction of punitive taxes to Kenyans in the controversial Finance Bill, 2024 to stop their hypocrisy.

He says, when he instructed the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya legislators to oppose the bill, he was called names and accused of being anti-development, but is now surprised by their change of mind.

Speaking in Suba South during the ODM membership registration rally, Raila said it is hypocritical for Kenya Kwanza politicians who voted for the bill just because he (Raila) was opposed to it to start complaining about the same law they passed and forced it down the throats of Kenyans.

“I am not in Parliament to participate in matters happening there, but I knew from the outset that the Finance Bill was not good for Kenyans and instructed our members to oppose it,” he said.

He added that making a U-turn when the bill has now been signed into law means they don’t use their heads and conscience to vote in Parliament.

Cries of Kenyans

He accused the area MP Caroli Omondi of being insensitive to the cries of Kenyans and more particularly the people who elected him by always voting for bad laws that hurt Kenyans.

“Your MP voted for the punitive bill, did you send him to vote Yes? he asked as the crowd chanted “No” in unison.

He said the cost of living was still high and that he will not relent in pushing the government to most it for the benefit of Kenyans. “We had our demands during the NADCO talks. We wanted to be involved in the appointment of the IEBC Commissioners, we wanted the cost of living to be brought to manageable levels and many other things” he said.

Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya accused ODM legislators who are in dalliance with Kenya Kwanza administration of betraying the trust the electorate had in them adding that it was high time they were shown the door.

He added that the ODM leader will continue giving guidance on matters affecting Kenyans even while sitting in Addis Ababa.  “Baba isn’t going anywhere, he is just around here and we will be with him through and through”, he said.

Siaya governor James Orengo accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of working tirelessly to kill devolution by starving counties of money.

“They have never wanted the devolved system of government. They want to kill it so that they remain with all the money in Nairobi”, he said.

Roots Party Leader Prof George Wajackoya said he will stick by Raila adding that he remains his preferred leader beyond 2027.

Piling pressure

Homa Bay senator warned Kenyans of tough times ahead is the Kenya Kwanza does not lower the cost of living.

“We must continue piling pressure on them to reduce the cost of living or else we continue to suffer”, he said.

Others who spoke at the rally included the Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, Woman Rep Joyce Osogo.

Earlier, Raila met with ODM delegates from Suba South branch at Nyamanga where he urged them to continue with the recruitment drive and ensure the party remains strong in the constituency.

He also opened the Party Office at Sindo market in Suba South.