Why Moses Kuria regrets funding Eric Omondi's U.S trip

Comedian Eric Omondi at a Milimani court on April 4, 2023. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and entertainer Eric Omondi formed trending topics on social media for the better part of Thursday, June 7.

This was after the duo participated in a debate on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, dubbed Kenya's Big Conversation.

Kuria opened up about how he once financed a tour abroad for Omondi, a decision he said he now 'regrets.'

"Seven years ago, I took Eric Omondi to America using my money so he can see the world but from the way he is talking right now, it would have been better if I used that money to party because I don't see the point he is trying to push through," Kuria pointed out during the live broadcast.

Omondi had earlier raised concerns about the proposed housing levy, saying that no Kenyan citizen is without shelter but a huge number of people are struggling to afford basic needs.

"There are no homeless people in Kenya but there are thousands of families and children who are going hungry. The conversation should be about the high cost of living that President Ruto, then a candidate, promised to lower. We are having the wrong conversation," said Omondi.

The comedian was not the only one on taking the heat from the CS.

Kuria also claimed that Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has not read the bill, saying his actions and reactions are based on what other politicians are saying.

"Okiya has not read the Finance Bill but he is listening to what other politicians are saying," Kuria said.

He also claimed that the senator and activist doesn't have a salary therefore he is not among the people who will be taxed.

"In my opinion, he (Omtatah) doesn't have a payslip. Okiya you are not the one we are targeting. We are targeting rich people who view Sh2,500 as little money that they can spend in a day at a bar on alcohol. They are the people we are targeting, not you," added Kuria.

Government officials and economic experts took part in the debate, anchored on the contentious Finance Bill, 2023, and the proposed housing levy that has faced wide criticism from different spheres.