A section of ODM MPs wants the Finance Bill 2023 to be withdrawn and replaced with a version that better reflects the needs of Kenyans.
The legislators say the current bill is not popular among Kenyans due to the hefty taxes it proposes. Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Lillian Gogo (Rangwe), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Tom Kajwang (Ruaraka), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West) and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang have all called for the bill to be reviewed before being presented to Parliament.
Wandayi proposes that the Bill should be withdrawn as many Kenyans have expressed disapproval of it. During a meeting of ODM officials at Rawinji Chief’s Camp in Kasipul constituency on Saturday, the National Assembly Minority leader posed the question of why the government would read out the budget for 2023/2024 if the Bill is not withdrawn. He stressed that since it is a major part of the budget, its rejection shows that it does not meet Kenyans’ needs.
“Majority of Kenyans have rejected the Bill and I think we shouldn’t waste time with it. The National Treasury should swiftly withdraw the Bill and allow Kenyans to amend it,” Wandayi said.
MPs were vocal in their opposition to the Bill, claiming it would make life even more difficult for Kenyans who are already having trouble making ends meet. He argued that the 3% housing levy was introduced without consulting the public. He also opposes President Ruto’s plans to introduce electric motorbikes, saying it could serve losses to some entrepreneurs. Okuome adds that if passed, the Bill would contribute to environmental degradation due to increased fuel costs.
The world over there’s no…
The world over there’s no popular tax bill. Taxes are imposed not negotiated. However it has to be fair. In this case it’s fair. I heard some other economic nonstarter saying that taxes should be lowered to increase collection. People don’t avoid making money because of high taxes. And you do not collect taxes on that what you did not earn.
They need to stop this…
They need to stop this nonsense of confusing Kenyans. The MPs are responsible for preparing the budget. The executive provides its requests, but the legislature is responsible for preparing the finance bill. The MPs can improve on what they have, use part of it while rejecting others, ignore and write their own, or head to the streets. I guess going to the streets is their preferred option. The MPs need to work for the country, not for Ruto or Raila. Not sure this is possible in Kenya. If we ever need a constitutional amendment, its the one that will delink MPs/Senators from their sponsoring parties during their tenure in parliament.