Raila threaten to marshal Kenyans in rejecting Finance Bill 2023 Tax Bill ‘railroaded’ through parliament
Opposition leader and Azimio One Kenya Coalition boss Raila Odinga has mobilise Kenyans through mass action in rejecting the controversial Finance Bill 2023 terming it punitive.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administartion under president William Ruto has railroaded the contested bill through parliament where the ruling party enjoy controlling majority to force through the bill.
Addressing the Media at Stoni Athi in Machakos County, Raila said the Finance Bill 2023 unfairly punishes a diminishing middle class that is already suffering severe blows and can least afford to pay more taxes.
“The most tangible results of this Bill will be the incorporation of most Kenyans into the ranks of the poor.” Raila noted.
He blamed the government for chest-thumping antics where some government aligned leaders have openly declared that it will endeavour to unreservedly pass the Bill in Parliament without changing a single element in it.
At the time of our statement last week, we took some comfort in the fact that the Bill was being subjected to public participation and there was a possibility that the reservations of Kenyans would be taken into consideration. Since then, the Kenya Kwanza hubris has kicked in. The top leadership of the Kenya Kwanza regime in Parliament and the Executive have pronounced themselves on this matter. The have said the Finance Bill will pass as it is. They have said not even a coma shall be removed.” He added
Raila said the Opposition is demanding a major surgery of the Finance Bill 2023 in the interest of the suffering Kenyans.
He added that instead of levying more taxes on Kenyans, the government must first address the economy’s structural shortcomings.
“For instance, there is a reason why the Kenya Revenue Authority is unable to meet its targets. Kenya Kwanza must figure out and address the problem.” He added.
Raila said Kenya Kwanza must also address the decline of the Kenya Shilling.
He further said government should stop undermining institutions such as those tasked with fighting corruption, collecting revenue and investigating and prosecuting crimes.
The Azimio leader said the Kenya Kwanza administration should incorporate all productive citizens in nation building projects.
