Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to address several issues affecting Kenyans.
Speaking during a funeral service in Kiambu County on Tuesday, March 11, the ODM leader faulted President William Ruto's administration for allegedly failing to resolve the challenges in the Social Health Authority (SHA) despite calls for the government's intervention.
Odinga, while addressing the mourners, also criticised the current regime for imposing high taxes on Kenyans, including the Housing Levy, which he claimed was torturous for most salaried Kenyans.
"I have told Ruto that SHA has a problem; it must be corrected. The taxes being imposed on Kenyans are also high, especially one on the houses," Raila declared.
"These things cannot be corrected when you are out, you must go inside and tell them what to do, and you must place people there to address the problems," he added.
According to Odinga, he would not relax until all the issues affecting Kenyans are addressed, further adding that his decision to sign an agreement with Ruto was one of the many ways to settle the problems.
During the meeting, ODM party leader also dismissed claims by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka that he betrayed Kenyans when he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ruto.
Odinga emphasised that his recent deal with the head of state was for the benefit of all Kenyans and was evidence of the hard-fought democracy.
The former prime minister went ahead to clarify that he never proposed any agreements with Ruto and that it was the president who approached him for the deal.
“I have heard people saying that I have joined President William Ruto. I want to say that I never approached Ruto; it was Ruto who approached me. My stand remains the same," Odinga revealed.
He also refuted claims that his recent cooperation deal with Ruto was meant to help the latter secure a reelection in 2027. According to Odinga, in 2027 Kenyans will decide who they want, on whether to elect Ruto or not.
"We must work and correct things, when 2027 comes, Kenyans will decide who they want, I went to the African Union so that I could lead the continent, but since I lost, I have come home to serve my people," Raila clarified.
Raila's latest speech comes hardly a week after he signed a deal with President Ruto, formalising the broad-based government which will see the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM parties work together.
The agreement was announced on Friday, March 7, at an event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi and attended by several high-profile leaders including both UDA and ODM politicians.
Among the key agreements reached are the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing youth unemployment, and the implementation of the two-third gender rule.
The two leaders also committed to enhancing inclusivity, particularly in government appointments and promoting integrity in leadership through ending opulence by some politicians.
