Former Makadara Member of Parliament Benson Mutura has defended opposition leader Raila Odinga and Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) chief Kalonzo Musyoka for backing the petrol price increment.
The two had pledged support for the 8 percent tax addition, before its controversial approval by the National Assembly in a special sitting on Thursday.
Speaking on Radio Jambo Saturday morning, Mutura observed that the two backed the President Uhuru Kenyatta proposal due to their goodwill for the nation, following a realization that it indeed needs the extra funds.
’'Najua wanapenda nchi na hawawezi kupenda wakenya waumie lakini pia huenda walikaa pamoja wakaona lazima waambie wakenya ukweli kwamba nchi inahitaji hizo pesa.
(As much as they would not love to see Kenyans suffering under heavy taxes, they must have realized that we badly need the money, hence their backing of the same),’’ he said.
Odinga on Tuesday presided over his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parliamentary group meeting, where the party agreed to back the proposal.
According to Mutura, however, a demonstration of parliamentary infiltration also played out, adding that the party leadership from outside the house may have influenced the outcome of the sitting.
This is after house leaders from both sides; Minority and Majority Leaders Aden Duale and John Mbadi respectively led the supporting side, going ahead to exit the house to kill quorum.
‘’Bunge pia limekosa Uhuru maana ya sheria za chama zinazowalazimu wabunge kufuata misimamo ya vyama (the parliament lacks independence as a result of party policies and rules),’’ he added.
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