Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula on Saturday, June 10, disclosed that MPs must consider the Finance Bill 2023 on a ‘clause by clause’ basis rather than a whole document.
According to his statement, the legislatures are required by law to recommend modifications for clauses that demand changes, rather than reject the bill completely. Mr Wetangula encouraged the lawmakers to hold rational conversations and to steer clear from their political affiliations in order to guarantee their constituencies proper representation.
“I asked MPs opposed to the Finance Bill to stop misleading the public on the content of the document and push for amendments of the clauses they feel were not good for Kenyans. The Constitution gives MPs powers to push for amendments on clauses that they single out as unfriendly to citizens and that is what I urge them to do instead of disputing the document in public meetings in villages. I reminded the legislators that they will have an opportunity to vote for the Bill ‘clause by clause’,” he stated.
Wetangula noted that the MPs who were in the committees had the chance to carefully examine the bill and make changes to it where needed. He stated that the Bill was part of the government’s plans to help Kenyans cope with the high costs of living. The speaker also urged MPs from the Western part of the country to cooperate when discussing matters and to vote in unison, regardless of which political party they are affiliated to.
Wetangula issued the remarks after attending a fundraiser for Lwandeti DEB Secondary School in Lugari Constituency, where Sh14 million was raised to help the school’s infrastructure. Mr Wetangula was accompanied by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Governor of Kakamega County Fernandez Barasa, his deputy Ayub Savula, and the local MP Nabii Nabwera. The National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee is scheduled to introduce the Bill in parliament on Tuesday, June 13.
The bill has sparked an intense public debate, with Azimio leader Raila Odinga heading the opposition against Kenya Kwanza’s proposed taxes. The main point of contention is the 3 percent housing levy, which a section of lawmakers deem severe.
The speaker should “instruct…
The speaker should “instruct” the legislature to prepare the finance bill. While the executive and the judiciary provide their inputs, the legislature has responsibility over the final bill.