President William Ruto today addressed a joint session of the legislative arm of government that brought together Members of the National Assembly and Senators. This was the first time the head of state was addressing parliament since he was sworn in as the fifth president.

The president arrived at parliament buildings where he was received by top Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) before proceeding to inspect his first guard of honor as commander in chief.

Dr Ruto then proceeded into the house where he was introduced to the house by speaker Moses Wetangula through a standing order allowing the president to address the house as he is not a member of parliament.

President Ruto lauded Kenya’s democracy by lauding the just concluded election where more MPs were reelected and more women MPs were elected as compared to the 2017 election. He read this as a sign that Kenyans have faith in parliament as an institution and also a belief in bringing more women to the decision making table.

The head of state took a swipe at his predecessor by saying that its only in Kenya where, the sitting deputy president became the candidate of the opposition, and the leader of the opposition became the candidate of government. The opposition candidate won the election and became president, and the president became the leader of the opposition party. However he took this to show how mature our democracy has become.

President Ruto promised to empower the judiciary and ensure its independence. He cited his commitment when he appointed the 6 judges who had been rejected by former president Kenyatta. The president further promised to fund the judiciary so that they can expeditiously resolve disputes.

The head of state decried what he called meager savings from Kenyans and challenged  them to save more and as an incentive, the government will add one shilling for every two shillings saved in the retirement schemes.

In the maiden address which was attended by former chief Justice David Maraga and IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati, the head of state called for a radical revamping of the Kenya Revenue Authority to make the tax system meets the needs of the economy, the President noted that Kenya is overtaxing trade and undertaxing wealth. The president wants the KRA to have a tax regime where those who are wealthy should pay more and he promised to make KRA a people-friendly organization.