Funyala MP Oundo Mudenyo has told President William Ruto to listen to the cries of Kenyans who have hit the streets in protest of the high cost of living.
President Ruto ascended to power on the platform of lowering the cost of living but nine months into office, Kenya has been rocked with anti-government protests called by the opposition to picket against increased taxation and tough economic times.
Mudenyo has accused the president of deceit, saying he made Kenyans vote for him through promises he has not honoured.
“The promises made during the campaigns was that they would lower the cost of living. It was made to be believed that the moment they put the bible down, the cost of living will come down tremendously,” the MP told Citizen TV during Thursday’s Day Break program.
In the MP’s view, the disillusionment is what has been fueling discontent and frustration.
“That is the bile Kenyans have with this government at the moment; you lied to us, and promised us heaven but when you got there, you told us heaven does not exist, this is the reality,” said Mudenyo.
He criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration for what he called attempts to suppress the demonstrations, saying that is the lawful way Kenyans can express their dissatisfaction with the government.
“That shows an element of unpreparedness to lead this government and the best way for Kenyans to ventilate their views, as provided for in the constitution, is to picket and demonstrate,” the MP said.
The third wave of anti-government protests entered the second day on Thursday. Wednesday’s protests saw clashes between police and protesters, and at least three people were killed while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
“You don’t approach a person who is suffering with a bullet. You don’t console someone who has been left hungry with teargas or water cannons,” Mudenyo added.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga and the Azimio leadership did not show up for the protests, which Mudenyo says is a sign Kenyans are frustrated with the government regardless of Odinga’s influence in calling for the demos.
“We are so fixated with Raila who was not even there yesterday but the people protested. The people who are hungry are addressing the king, we should be sober enough and remove Raila from this so we can address this issue objectively… to tell us there is a problem with demonstrating is being extremely dishonest,” said the MP.
