Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi has called out former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for what he termed as lying to Kenyans.
Speaking at Quakers Friends International Centre on Ngong Road on Sunday, November 14, the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principal claimed that Raila was lying to Kenyans by promising a Ksh 6,000 stipend to poor families.
Mudavadi argued that the promise was impossible to deliver under the current financial constraints pegging the government.
He stated that the only way the former Prime Minister would be able to disburse the money on a monthly basis was if taxes were increased.
"How can these politicians, ,where you are promised a social welfare economy model by getting Ksh6,000, where is that money going to come from? This is a lie to lure voters, but it cannot be implemented and if it's achieved then tax will be increased on you Kenyans.
"As we approach the next General Election, we must give this country what is good, we must not be convinced by handouts, bribery or by sweet words from politicians who promise you things that are practically impossible," stated Mudavadi.
Raila, who has been popularising the stipend over the last couple of months, noted that over 8 million would benefit from the programme.
If approved, the state would be expected to disburse Ksh48 billion through the programme every month.
Raila explained that there was no need to increase taxes but he would slash funding for ministries from which he would raise the money for the programme. He also noted that he was the Prime Minister of the country and know how systems work.
"Some are asking where the 6,000 for the poor families will come from. I want to tell them I have been the prime minister of this country, I know where the money is," stated Raila during a tour in Lamu on Sunday.
The promise comes even as the national debt continues to sour. As of June 2021, the external debt had already crossed the Ksh4 trillion mark.
