Azimio senators vow to oversight state despite Raila's AU bid

Nyamira Senator Okong'o Mogeni. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

Azimio Senators have vowed to protect the rights of Kenyans even if opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is eyeing the African Union Commission chairperson position exits the political stage.

Senators Okong'o Mogeni (Nyamira), Agnes Kavindu (Machakos) and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch told President William Ruto that his administration cannot make Kenyans suffer when Raila goes to AU.

Mogeni, Kavindu and Oketch who were speaking at Miruya PEFA Church in Uriri sub-county on Sunday during a funds drive vowed to continue fighting for the interests of the citizens.

"We are telling him to stop making the lives of Kenyans harder," Mogeni said.

The senator told the Kenya Kwanza government to stop burdening wananchi with taxes.

Mogeni declared that they would reject the Housing Bill in the Senate saying that the government ought to focus on building shelter for poor Kenyans living in grass-thatched and mud-walled houses.

He told the president to stop pushing for the affordable housing programme or risk losing a chance to serve Kenyans for a second term.

"And if he will continue pushing harder, we want to tell him that there are many African presidents who have served one term. This is because he will be bringing conflict between him and the people," Mogeni said.

The Nyamira senator asked the president to establish a network and first understand the problems the people are going through.

Oketch said even as Raila prepares to go to the AU, they will continue to fight for the rights of Kenyans.

"Ruto will still have problems because we will be there. There will be no corner to hide and we won't give him room," Oketch said.

The Migori senator declared that they will make sure that the country runs on the virtue of equality and equal chances for the people of Kenya.

Mogeni and Kavindu reminded Kenyans of President Ruto's promise of forming a hustlers government and bringing down the cost of living saying it is yet to be fulfilled.

"The group has been left out and life has continued to get harder," the senators said.

Kavindu warned Kenyans against being lured with handouts to vote for leaders during the electioneering period.