Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa on Saturday, November 18 clashed with former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa over the cost of living during a burial in Bungoma County.
The situation unfolded after Wamalwa castigated the Kenya Kwanza government for blaming geopolitics on the high fuel prices.
The DAP-K party leader argued that the high fuel prices are a result of the Finance Act 2023 which doubled Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel.
“The cost of living has risen; Kenyans are suffering. We have heard our counterparts say it's a global issue, and there's nothing they can do about it. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“When you look at the problem we have in Kenya, with fuel prices higher than in Tanzania, it's not a global issue but a local one. The problem lies with President William Ruto and his high tax rates. The Finance Act of 2023 doubled the VAT on fuel,” said Wamalwa.
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Barasa told off the former Defence CS over the remarks, stating that he has no authority to slam the Kenya Kwanza government.
The UDA MP pointed out that Wamalwa served in the previous administration under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and did not do anything to lower the cost of living.
“This issue of the cost of living we are ready and willing to listen to anybody who can give us solutions. Eugene Wamalwa you have no gravitas to lecture the government about the cost of living. You were the Cabinet Secretary for Defence and did nothing,” the Kimilili MP stated.