Raila’s message to supporters regarding VAT

Opposition Chief Raila Odinga on Monday assured his supporters that he is still fighting for them despite the heated debate surrounding the 8% VAT on all petroleum products.

Speaking during a function in Kisumu organized by Unaitas Sacco, the NASA leader maintained that he would never agree to something that burdens people.

“I have been at the forefront in advocating for the rights of Kenyans, and so I would not agree to something I know would burden the people,” he said.

Odinga further added that he had warned the Jubilee government against taking too many loans but he was told to go back to the village and focus on farming.

“For many years I spoke to these people (Jubilee government) but they refused to listen… they said I was lying and told me to go back to the village and dig.

“I told them that if they took too many loans without proper investments then it would come back to burden them,” he revealed.

He cleared the air regarding why he chose to support the bill saying they had set a number of conditions.

“We decided to support the VAT on the condition that such budgets as for leaders going to watch football in Russia, travelling First/Business Class and going for benchmarking and bonding trips in Arusha must be cut down,” noted Odinga.

President Uhuru Kenyatta last week signed into law the Finance Bill 2018.

The Bill, passed by the National Assembly in a rather chaotic matter, reflects the President’s recommendations for a reduction of VAT on petroleum products from 16 to 8 per cent among other amendments on various taxes.