Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a principal in the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya opposition alliance, blasted President William Ruto for failing to tame the high cost of living in the wake of electricity prices skyrocketing again.
In his statement, Mr Musyoka reminded Ruto that Kenyans are hungry and tired and intimated that they deserve better than being financially overburdened by his new tax regimes that have driven up the cost of living to historic highs since he was sworn in as president.
“The 16% increase in tokens by Kenya Power is the latest unacceptable burden on tired, hungry and angry Kenyans. This is the cleared example of the KK (Kenya Kwanza) regime’s inability to address the cost of living. They want to leave us in the dark, but I am telling them, know kuna nuru gizani (there is light in the darkness),” said Mr Musoyoka on Thursday, January 11, 2023.
His sentiments came after the Energy and Petroleum Regulation Authority announced a price hike of 16.5% on the cost of electricity beginning January 2024. The prices are now up to Sh 4.33 a unit from Sh 3.98 in December 2023. The cause for this price increase was attributed to the hiked forex adjustment charge from Sh 28.11 to Sh 50.53. This forex adjustment is deducted after token purchase and is determined by how the Kenya shilling fairs against hard currencies like the American dollar.
Following Mr Musyoka’s sentiments, a section of Kenyans reacted to his position as sampled in the views below:
“We will overcome but we will also learn that he (President Ruto) has failed Kenyans,” said Captain Omondi.
“We acknowledge the challenges posed by the discomfort. Instead of dwelling on the pain, let’s explore potential approaches to address issues such as FX charges and fuel cost adjustments. How would you have managed these challenges, and what solutions do you recommend?” asked George Njoroge.
“Be bold. Come out daily and defend Kenyans..just talk on taxes,” added Prof Wekesa.
“Take action. We want to see the senior counsel, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka representing us in court, challenging the decision to price our electricity based on the currency of another country,” said Captain Allanoh.
“But the problem with you people Kalonzo is just talking. You people are not standing up strongly. Speaking on X won’t help sincerely help us. Stand up today Kalonzo for Kenyans we shall count you we shall remember you,” opined Edwin Wafula.
