The Azimio coalition has said it will now seek other means to press the government to lower the cost of living after some of its recommendations were in the national dialogue committee.
”At all times, we will retain the right to call on the people to take steps that we deem necessary to force the government to lower the cost of living” Odinga stated.
“We will seek other ways to press the government to listen to the cries of the people and bring down the cost of living. The other ways will include but will not be limited to consultations with the people”Odinga added.
In a statement, the opposition coalition has stated that the government has maintained its hard line of retaining the VAT at 18 despite a spirited push to reduce it to 8 percent citing that Kenyans are still reeling from high taxation that has seen the prices of basic commodities hike.
“We further asked the government to reduce the road maintenance levy and the anti-adulteration levy by Sh5 and Sh3 per litre respectively. Our team further asked the government reduce VAT on fuel from 16% to 8%”
The Raila Odinga- Led coalition has further stated that the decision of entrenching the office of the opposition must be decided by the people though a referendum.
“We also support the document with a proviso that certain aspects must be approved by the people by way of a referendum”
The opposition’s statement comes days after the National dialogue committee co-chaired by national assembly majority leader Kimani Ichungwa and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka finalized deliberating the five key talking points that had been arrived at following tiff between the govt and opposition that precipitated nationwide anti government protests.
The opposition has however welcomed the reduction of the road maintenance levy and the anti-adulteration levy by Sh5 and Sh3 per liter respectively.
On his part president William Ruto welcomed the report and further asked the parliament to consider it so as to implement the action points.