ODM leader Raila Odinga has opposed President William Ruto's plan that proposes an increment in NHIF and NSSF payments.
Speaking at the burial of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa's mother Mama Philemona Mutelwa in Mumias on Monday, October 31, Odinga stated that there cannot be an increment in taxes without public participation.
“Tax regimes cannot be imposed without the participation of the people through their representatives in Parliament. There must be public participation, you cannot rise up one day and say you will increase NSSf and NHIF contributions, no taxation without representation. If they want to increase taxes let them tell us how much and let us have our MPs discuss this matter. We will tell them to reject the proposals," the former premier said.
The ODM leader accused President Ruto of reneging on their campaign promises adding that he was yet to see the price of fuel drop.
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"They promised a Ksh.50 billion interest-free fund, and another Ksh.100 billion for women. But now they are changing their words. They are now saying no funds will be issued without paying interest. They said the price of fuel and unga would drop as soon as they are sworn in, now they are asking for one year," he stated.
President Ruto has backed the push to have the rich pay higher monthly contributions to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“Our health agenda is premised on fundamental reforms in the way healthcare is financed and provided. Contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund will now be graduated and will depend on people’s income,” The Head of State said during his swearing-in ceremony.
Revival of the graduated scale for employees earning more than Sh100,000 will see contributions of workers paid Sh200,000 rise to Sh3,400 while those earning Sh500,000 will increase five times to Sh8,500 per month.
