Who Are You? – Gachagua Castigates Raila Over Demands to Ruto

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned recent remarks made by Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga. 

Odinga had voiced his opposition to the Finance Bill 2023, saying the proposed tax increase would hurt citizens. Yesterday, Mr Odinga threatened to reignite protests should the National Assembly pass the contentious Bill. Speaking in Meru County on June 9, 2023, Gachagua condemned the opposition leader for interfering with the decisions of the Kenya Kwanza government. 

“You have issued demands as who? Who elected you? Who are you in this country? Wait till 2027 then come persuade these people to give you an opportunity,” Gachagua said.  

The deputy president blamed Raila for the country’s current economic hardships, claiming that the handshake between him and former President Uhuru Kenyatta barred the Jubilee party from achieving their goals. Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Raila urged opposition MPs to entirely reject the proposed bill. He argued that the 3% housing levy was unsustainable and that no wise leader would remove subsidies on essential goods and then raise taxes on the same items.

“This Bill is economic sabotage. If Ruto insists on this Bill, this country will go into full recession. This Bill requires and must get fierce resistance,” Raila said.