Raila's Key Strategies to Deny Ruto Government Taxes

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called upon Kenyans to oppose Ruto regime taxes by embracing civil disobedience.  

In a statement issued at Kamukunji grounds on Tuesday, Raila suggested that citizens should engage in civil disobedience to force the annulment of the Finance Act, signed on Monday by President William Ruto. He proposed carpooling as a way to reduce fuel consumption and cushion Kenyans from the increased VAT on fuel products from 8 to 16 per cent. Raila urged Kenyans to walk instead of driving and also called on them to reduce non-essential trips. 

"Here, therefore, are my requests to you people of Kenya, let us embrace tax boycott, let us deny the fuel tax by limiting the consumption of petrol and diesel," he said. 

He further appealed to matatu owners to maintain the current fare and double the number of passengers while prioritising safety. The former Prime Minister asked the traffic police to be lenient with matatus that are over capacity. He further appealed to businesses to turn off Electronic Tax Registers, declare nil returns on VAT, and provide discounts to customers. The Azimio leader called upon employers to avoid deductions of employees' salaries. 

Raila also encouraged the online community to publicize the call for a boycott of the new Finance Act, so as to pile pressure on the government to reduce the cost of living. He also reminded Kenyans to assert their sovereignty, reiterating that civil disobedience begins with personal actions. In his words, "We start today, with small, subtle steps, and eventually lead up to a massive, nationwide demonstration."