Kalonzo Speaks on President Uhuru's New Fuel Tax

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday made clear his position on President Uhuru Kenyatta's proposals to Parliament ahead of the voting in Thursday's special sitting. 

In an address to the media in Karen, Kalonzo affirmed that he shares in the resolutions announced by the ODM party house leadership on Tuesday after the group meeting chaired by Raila Odinga at Orange House.

He stated that the ongoing deliberations on whether to support the president or not should be distanced from the March handshake affirming "the matter should be looked at differently."

"I had a very clear position on taxation that all of us would implement in 2007. The reason countries attract investments is by having certainty in their taxation regimes. 

"I call on all of us to exercise good faith and act in the best interest of the nation. I hope sincerely that the vote tomorrow should not be about the handshake, a lot of undercurrents do occur and when you (MPs) have challenges, reach out to me," held Kalonzo.

The NASA principal further indicated that it is acceptable that the country would make economic progress once all proceeds of looting are recovered.

He made reservations that the idea of relying on the recovery of funds to corrupt individuals and stuffed in foreign countries, though welcomed, would take a long time.

The ex-vice president held that Wiper MPs would be expected to vote in favour of President Uhuru's recommendations on the Finance Bill 2018.

This, he confirmed, was part of his party's commitment to support and work with President Kenyatta's government.

"We said Wiper will work with government and this is a step in that direction, however difficult the situation is, this is the time to stand up and get counted. We have asked the more than 20 MPs to support the president's initiative," stated Kalonzo.

He discouraged leaders and analysts appealing for downscaling of the current elective and nomination slots saying the team tasked with the building bridges initiative should be allowed time to handle the matter.

"If we are to discuss matters as the abolition of positions held by nominated MPs, Senators, MCAs and such concerns, it is a purely constitutional matter and we should wait for the team on building bridges to bring them on board," he concluded.