Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called on President William Ruto to reconcile his promises with service delivery.
Seemingly defending the Finance Bill 2023, Passaris claimed that the government had failed to sensitize the people fully about the Bill, saying it should not be rejected in totality.
“The government can move the Finance Bill without needing anybody else. I think the biggest problem with the Finance Bill is the public relations around it. We never sensitized the people enough about it. Kenyans are not trusting, and trust comes from doing good deeds. We need to reconcile our promises with our delivery. We have to understand where the government finds itself. It is not (President William) Ruto’s problem, it’s our problem,” Passaris said.
Passaris has admitted that the opposition was part of the previous regime led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Prayer Breakfast, Passaris admitted that while in government, they made some decisions that were wrong.
The legislator, who is serving her second term, was elected on an ODM ticket, an opposition party in Kenya.
“We were part of the government in the last government. We also made certain decisions that were wrong and the world order is in a bad place. We need to come together to the table and work for the good of Kenya. Opposition is not about combative stances, it’s about working together to deliver and checking the government to ensure that whatever it promises to its people.”
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party, where ODM is a constituent member, has called on its legislators to reject the Finance Bill 2023.
Over the weekend, President Ruto intimated that stern action would be taken against MPs who will fail to toe the line.
“I am waiting to see the MPs who will go against the government’s plan to give their voters employment. We want to see and know those going against this Finance Bill,” the President said in Narok during a thanksgiving prayer service.
“I have heard some people saying they are waiting to see MPs who will vote for the Bill to pass, but I am equally waiting to see the members of Parliament who will vote against the Finance Bill that seeks to ensure employment of young people, introduce 5 per cent housing mortgage. We are waiting to see them oppose a plan that empowers the youths who voted them to Parliament,” said the President.
The Finance Bill which outlines areas where the government intends to raise taxes will be tabled on June 13, two days before the presentation of the Budget. The Bill also seeks to amend various laws relating to taxes and duties with the objective of increasing government revenues from taxes collected.
