‘Come for me directly, leave the people of Nyanza alone’ – Raila tells Ruto

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has maintained his sustained attacks on President William Ruto.

Speaking during the Launch of Mokwa Maize meal in Kigoto, Suba South constituency, Homabay county on Friday, November 4, 2022, Raila alleged that Ruto has denied the people of Nyanza opportunities in his administration in order to settle political scores. Raila asked the Head of State to go for him directly and leave the people of Nyanza alone.

"You cannot deny Nyanza people opportunities in the government because you have a problem with Raila. If it is Raila, come for me directly. Leave the Nyanza people alone," the veteran politician stated.

He also poked holes into the Ruto-led administration stating that the opposition outfit will not allow the president to increase taxes.

The former prime minister alluded that citizens were already burdened with the prevailing harsh economic times and that Ruto should seek alternatives for raising the country's revenue.

"I have told Ruto that we will not allow for the tax to be increased. People are tired. Let him find alternatives," Raila added.

Raila criticises gov't

Raila had earlier asked President Ruto to desist from overtaxing Kenyans who were already suffering following the current economic situation.

He also maintained that the Azimio coalition will play its oversight role by ensuring that the current administration does not 'burden' citizens with additional expenses when even affording basic commodities was a burden to most households.

"Azimio and Kenya Kwanza promised Kenyans during the campaigns and made it clear that we would realise the promises we made without increasing the tax burden on the common mwananchi," Raila stated.

He added: "It remains our position that Kenyans cannot afford and should not be asked to pay extra taxes for the UDA regime to realise the unrealistic promises it is pursuing, UDA must immediately shelve any thoughts of raising taxes from suffering Kenyans, instead, UDA must increase revenue collection at all collection points like airports, V.A.T and so on,"

At the same time, the politician also accused Ruto of witch-hunting former Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti under the guise of investigating extra-judicial killings.

He claimed that Ruto was out to punish former State officials he had differences with when he was Deputy President.

He accused the Head of State of pursuing a personal vendetta against such individuals, including Kinoti, yet there were many unresolved police killings, including of International Criminal Court (ICC) witnesses.

Raila argued that the Ruto administration should not only focus on the two Indian citizens who disappeared ahead of the August election.

“We oppose the attempt to sacrifice State officers who in the line of duty may have rubbed politicians the wrong way,” Raila added.