Raila Odinga Speaking While Accompanied by Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karau Among Other Leaders
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The Azimio Parliamentary Group on Tuesday, May 30, resolved to reject the Finance Bill 2023.
After their engagement in Nairobi, the Raila Odinga-led faction issued a statement demanding the Kenya Kwanza government to withdraw the bill for reconsideration. According to Azimio, the bill proposes tax changes that do not resonate well with Kenyans. Azimio expressed their disapproval of the financial strain imposed on workers due to imprudent measures such as the housing levy, income tax, and taxes on daily allowances.
They also challenged the taxation of start-ups and small companies. Additionally, they refuted the move by Ruto's regime to levitate taxes on fuels which would increase the cost of the product by at least Sh10.
"Azimio is of the view that this Finance Bill takes us back to the 1980s. It takes us back to the era of cost-sharing in public institutions. It takes us back to the era of Structural Adjustment Programs. It takes us back to the 1980s because the people who were in charge back then, are in charge today," the statement from the coalition reads in part.
Meanwhile, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance has resolved to remove Nominated MP Sabina Chege from her position as Minority Whip. The coalition announced its resolution on Thursday at a coalition gathering in Machakos County. Although no replacement has been made yet, sources affirm that her expulsion is certain.
Parliament has a final responsibility to the finance bill (national budget). Don't agree with Kenya Kwanza inputs to the finance bill, but I would have liked to see Azimio's input. Of cause the best thing is for parliament to listen to all parties and citizens and come up with a reasonable budget.