Azimio la Umoja Presents Plan to Reduce Living Expenses in Kenya

Azimio la Umoja leaders have presented the government with a plan to reduce living expenses in Kenya. The plan, which was presented to the National Dialogue Committee during a public hearing on Tuesday, focuses on the following areas:

  • Reducing government waste and corruption: Azimio argues that the high cost of living is partly due to government waste, inefficiencies, and corruption. The coalition proposes to eradicate theft of public money, wastages, and hold public officers accountable.
  • Lowering taxes and interest rates: Azimio proposes to lower taxes on fuel, food, energy, SMEs, and the housing levy. The coalition also proposes to lower loan rates to encourage output.
  • Encouraging saving and investment: Azimio argues that the high interest rates in Kenya have discouraged both saving and investing. The coalition proposes to implement policies that will reward savings deposits and reduce the spread between lending and savings rates.
  • Addressing the budget deficit and currency depreciation: Azimio criticizes the government for presiding over a record budget deficit and the depreciation of the Kenyan shilling. The coalition proposes to implement policies to reduce the budget deficit and stabilize the shilling.

Azimio’s plan has been praised by some economists and analysts, who argue that it addresses some of the root causes of the high cost of living in Kenya. However, other economists have expressed skepticism about the plan, arguing that it is difficult to implement and that it may lead to higher inflation.

It remains to be seen whether the government will adopt Azimio’s plan. However, the plan provides a roadmap for addressing the high cost of living, which is a major concern for many Kenyans.

ODM Did Not Expel Rebel MPs, Says Party Chairman

ODM Chairman and Nominated MP John Mbadi has clarified that the party did not expel five rebel MPs, as has been widely reported.

Mbadi said that the party believes the five lawmakers have left the party, citing Article 14(b) of the Political Parties Act, which states that members are presumed to have resigned if they further the agenda of other parties.

“We are not expelling these members. We are saying that they have resigned from the party,” Mbadi said on Spice FM.

The five MPs are Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Tom Ojienda (Senator of Kisumu County).

The ODM party claims that the five are rebelling because they have been openly having affairs with President William Ruto.

However, the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) has temporarily halted their expulsion from the ODM party pending a hearing and decision on the matter.

The PPDT is expected to hear the case on September 22.

In the meantime, the five MPs remain members of the ODM party, but they are not allowed to participate in party activities.