Raila Odinga Defends Alliance with Ruto While Maintaining Political Stance on Taxes

Raila Odinga has denied allegations of abandoning his supporters amid his alliance with President Ruto. He claims that his political stance on taxation remains unchanged, emphasizing the importance of tackling key national issues through collaboration. Odinga criticized high taxes and the Housing Levy, reinforcing his focus on advocating for ordinary citizens’ interests.

Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has refuted allegations that he has forsaken his supporters due to his recent alliance with President William Ruto. He emphasized that his position concerning Ruto’s tax policies is unchanged, despite forming a partnership with the President. Speaking at a burial ceremony in Kiambu County, he responded to concerns from his supporters regarding his involvement with the Kenya Kwanza administration—a move they perceive as a shift in loyalty.

In his address, Odinga proclaimed, “I haven’t left you; I haven’t gone to Ruto. My political stand has not changed.” He clarified that his engagement with the current government serves a higher purpose of tackling critical national matters, including governance, taxation, and the widespread economic challenges facing Kenya. He elucidated, “This cannot happen unless people come together to talk.”

Odinga reiterated his commitment to advocate policies aimed at easing the tax burden on ordinary citizens, particularly in matters of public service delivery. He stated, “Elections will come in 2027, and Kenyans will decide on their own. We no longer want Kenyans to continue suffering,” emphasizing key issues such as healthcare reform that need addressing.

During his speech, he also objected to the current Housing Levy and the excessive taxation impacting Kenyans, labeling the existing tax structure as excessively burdensome. Odinga asserted, “These issues need to be sorted, and they can’t be addressed if I’m not involved. I have to be in for it to work.”

His comments coincided with mounting scrutiny following ODM’s recent collaboration with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Both Ruto and Odinga defended this cooperation as a strategic approach to facilitate bipartisan discourse on vital concerns involving economic reforms and governance, with Odinga firmly maintaining that his participation is focused on issue resolution rather than political gain.

In conclusion, Raila Odinga has firmly defended his political stance regarding solidarity with his supporters, asserting that his recent cooperation with President Ruto is driven by a commitment to addressing critical national issues. He emphasizes the need for reforms in taxation and public services and states that his focus remains on advocating for Kenyans’ well-being. The collaboration with UDA is presented as a mechanism to enable constructive dialogue on major governance reforms, reflecting Odinga’s commitment to remain engaged until substantive improvements are achieved.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke