The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
President William Ruto addresses Muslims and Christians at Mama Ngina waterfront in Mombasa on November 5, 2023. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]
Addressing mourners on Saturday in Nandi County, Savula said the President has a "praise and worship team" that lies to him that everything is okay when things are going wrong as far as measures to resuscitate the economy as concerned.
"Former President Mwai Kibaki introduced free primary education but under CBC, parents are being asked to pay Sh5,000. How will they pay the school fees under the current circumstances," said Savula.
Savula has vowed to continue pushing the government to cushion Kenyans against the effects of the high cost of living "the attacks and intimidation tactics notwithstanding".
"I am an elected leader whose work is to represent my people and inform them about the current happenings. Threats and intimidation will not stop me from telling the government to do its work," said Savula.
He added: "I respect the President. However, he should allow a national discourse on the issue of the economy for Kenyans to give their views on how the problem can be addressed."
Savula faulted the Finance Act 2023 arguing that double taxation on petroleum products is the main cause of high fuel prices.
"In Tanzania, they don't have double taxation like in Kenya where we tax fuel levy development fund and 16 per cent Value Added Tax(VAT) on one product and the money goes to one consolidated fund that is causing fuel prices to go up," said Savula.
He dismissed claims the war between Ukraine and Russia, and the one between Israel and Palestine, have caused the fuel crisis.
"Globally, the price of fuel has not gone up. The issue we are having in Kenya is multiple taxation and that is why fuel prices in the neighbouring countries remain low," he said.
Western Region Police Commander Kipono Langat said he has not received any report about the said attack but promised to make a follow-up on the matter.
"I have not been briefed about the matter but let me find out before I can comment," said Langat.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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