Raila takes matatu to work
By Mary Ouko, July 10, 2023
Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition supremo Raila Odinga has seemingly heeded his advice to Kenyans about carpooling to ‘deny’ the government fuel VAT after he boarded a matatu to work today.
“Embracing the convenience and camaraderie of public transport heading to work this morning,” Raila wrote.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader had earlier called on Kenyans to consider carpooling where possible to limit consumption of fuel and stop the government from collecting tax on fuel products.
“Let us deny Ruto the fuel tax by limiting consumption of petrol and diesel. One way to do this is to carpool. Let us arrange to make regular journeys in a single vehicle whenever possible. Give each other a ride. Cut down on non-essential travel. Walk instead of driving whenever possible,” Raila stated at the time.
“I appeal to all employers to allow their workers time to walk to and from work. I appeal to matatu owners to support tax boycotts. While observing safety measures, maintain the current fare but double your carrying capacity as part of the civil disobedience,” he added.
In a video seen by People Daily Digital, the opposition leader is seen accompanied by his bodyguard walking to the matatu stage. He then buys a newspaper from a vendor before flagging a matatu.
When the matatu stopped, the conductor and other passengers cheered as they picked him up.
While inside the matatu plying the Ngong-Nairobi route, Raila interacted with a section of passengers who decried the high costs of living.
“Baba you must not stop. Continue pressing on until such a time when the traffic police shall have stopped taking bribes and fuel prices significantly reduced,” a Matatu conductor told the opposition leader.
Raila also shared moments with the passengers who cheered and expressed excitement to see him. They took photos and appreciated him for being on the ground with the common mwananchi.