Ruto and Raila oppose IMF push for 16pc tax on bread and flour

Dried cassava being processed into flour at mills owned by Renman Africa Ltd located in Malindi Sub County in Kilifi County. [Nanjinia Wamuswa]

The Sh263.8 billion programme between Kenya and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is under threat after the two leading presidential candidates in the August 9 polls rejected the Bretton Woods institution-driven proposals contained in the Budget.

Both Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have vowed to reject the proposal to introduce a 16 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on wheat flour, maize flour and cassava flour, which they say has made the Budget unfavourable to ordinary citizens.