Raila: Uhuru is raising beer prices to recover Eurobond
By LINET WAFULA
Cord leader Raila Odinga has accused the Jubilee government of raising taxes on basic goods to recover cash which he claims was lost from the Sh250billion Eurobond.
Mr Odinga on Friday insisted that the government cannot account for Sh140 billion from the transaction.
“The price of mineral water has been increased by Sh10 per bottle. Similar taxes have been imposed on cigarettes, beer and soda to replace what was stolen,” he said.
Mr Odinga also accused Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich of disrespect. The former Prime Minister says a political leader of his stature cannot be invited to a Cabinet Secretary’s office.
In its response to Mr Odinga’s allegations, the Treasury has released details explaining how the cash was allocated.
The opposition leader said his quest to question the government’s dubious spending of taxpayer’s funds is unstoppable, adding that he is the people’s watchman.
“I will continue exposing the tactics of people who fleece the national coffers unabated. Their days are numbered,” he said.
Speaking at Bumala trading centre, Mr Odinga also questioned the source of former Devolution Secretary Anne Waiguru’s wealth.
“How could a civil servant like her purchase a house worth Sh150 million in cash,” he asked.
WHISTLE-BLOWER
The former PM noted that the government had initially tried to shield Ms Waiguru but when it became apparent the money had disappeared they beat an about-turn.
“Why are EACC doing raids in her mansions when they claimed she was a whistle-blower,” he wondered.
Mr Odinga also raised doubts about the effectiveness of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s executive powers saying teachers had not been paid their September salaries despite his directive.
He accused the President of using Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to play politics.
“We are not fools to use TSC to hoodwink Kenyans. Uhuru should swallow his pride and pay teachers without degrading his executive authority,” he said.
On Friday, TSC asked teachers to be patient saying it was preparing the payroll before releasing the September salaries. But Mr Odinga noted that the President issued executive orders when the teachers’ union officials visited him at State House. This was followed by the new Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i who also upheld the President’s executive orders.
Speaking in Butula during the homecoming of Kingandole Ward representative Eric Kaibe on Friday, Mr Odinga said it is now evident Uhuru himself doesn’t want teachers to be paid their September salaries.
He was accompanied by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa, Kasipul Kabondo MP Sylvanus Osele, Matayos MP Geoffrey Odanga and Busia Women MP Florence Mutua among others.