Ruto calls out Raila over maandamano return

President William Ruto has urged Azimio leader Raila Odinga to propose constructive alternatives to address the challenges facing the country rather than advocating for nationwide protests, warning that such actions could further damage Kenya’s already fragile economy.

Speaking at the burial of Michael Waweru, the father of Nyandarua Senator John Methu in Nyandarua, Ruto criticized the opposition for criticizing the government without providing practical solutions.

During his address, Ruto claimed that Raila’s threats to revive mass protests (Maandamano) were intimidation tactics aimed at pressuring the government to yield to the opposition’s demands.

On Saturday, Raila declared that mass protests would resume in 2024 if the government did not repeal the Finance Act 2023.

“Instead of resorting to violence, tell Kenyans the alternatives you have. We have urged people to pay taxes to settle debts. Don’t talk about organizing protests that will lead to violence and disrupt businesses; how will that benefit Kenyans?” Ruto questioned.

He called for an end to intimidation tactics and requested viable alternative views from the opposition. Ruto accused the opposition of lacking concrete plans, citing their history of symbolic actions while farmers were engaged in productive activities, leading to a decrease in commodity prices.

The President emphasized that his administration would not back down on tax issues, considering it a crucial measure to prevent the country from falling into debt distress.

“We must correct the mistakes of our predecessors. Our primary problem is not taxes, but debt. People don’t want to hear the truth. This has caused many nations to default and struggle to recover,” he stated.

Ruto stressed the need to control borrowing habits to avoid becoming dependent on external lenders, citing former President Mwai Kibaki’s call for citizens to pay their fair share of taxes to achieve self-reliance.

“No nation has been destroyed by taxes; many have been built by them. Kibaki advocated for VAT and increased taxes nearly four times. Along the way, we deviated from that path and resorted to borrowing,” Ruto pointed out.