Kenya Kwanza has no plan to implement campaign pledges, ex MP Keter breaks his silence

When Alfred Keter then Nandi Hills MP raised concerns over delayed maize payments in 2018. [File, Standard] 

Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter has broken his silence and criticized President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration over the high cost of living.

The vocal legislator who had taken a low profile for about a year after losing his seat, hit out at the government, saying the recent hike in fuel prices is impoverishing a majority of Kenyans who can no longer afford basics.

He claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration was not committed to implementing its manifesto.

“Kenya Kwanza leaders used propaganda to propel themselves into government, but they have no plan to implement what they pledged,” he said.

The MP vowed to mobilize ‘like-minded leaders’ to press for ‘good representation and oversight’ from current administration.

“I am not about to change, and I have no apologies to make. Unless you say it as it is, there are many people who will suffer. This country needs prayers as the cost of living hits high levels,” said Keter.

In a video clip circulating on social media, Keter said during a burial in South Rift that; “President Ruto should hear this. The cost of living has hit high levels because of the hike in fuel prices."

He added: “Our MPs should speak out. You stood on a platform of Bottom-up to support those at the bottom to move up, but you have forgotten them. Increasing fuel prices is hurting ordinary citizens.”

Keter said the government should seek a solution on how to lower fuel prices instead of blaming global trends.

“I will not bow down to intimidation that we should not criticise the government. There is no petrol station for those in government and those in the opposition,” said Keter.

In a telephone interview with The Standardon Sunday, Keter claimed that Parliament had "failed to carry out its oversight roles effectively and failed to take interventions that would help lower the cost of living".

“Our leaders should not defend themselves on grounds that there is a global challenge in fuel prices. It is Parliament that endorsed the VAT review on petroleum products from eight per cent to 16 per cent,” said Keter.