A section of Azimio leaders, led by DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, have intensified their criticism of the Finance Bill 2024, labeling it as punitive.
Speaking in Busia County on Saturday, Wamalwa expressed concern that the proposed taxes in the Bill would significantly impact Kenyans’ finances, exacerbating the already high cost of living.
“Since he became president he has added new taxes every day. This year’s Finance Bill he is adding a VAT of 16% on essential commodities including bread, and cooking oil and this will add the price of food,” noted Wamalwa.
Wamalwa, therefore, urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to reject the Bill and supported Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in challenging it in court. Senator Omtatah expressed his frustrations over the high taxes included in the contentious Bill, stating that President William Ruto must be held accountable for them.
“We shall not allow you to use taxation to steal from Kenyans. Taxation must have a compelling reason. Telling us that you want tax without telling us where it will be used,” said Omtatah.
He furthered his attack on President Ruto wanting him to avail the particulars of the bilateral agreements made between Kenya and the United States (US) during Ruto’s recent visit to the global powerhouse.
“Let the republic of Kenya be free. We never fought for independence to be taken back to be colonized. Can you make public what contracts you have signed with the Americans? What is informing these contracts and where do you get the capacity to commit Kenya without going through the people of Kenya,” said Omtatah.
The leaders also criticized COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli for his recent announcement to convene a ‘Bukhungu 3’ meeting.
They claimed that the meeting is aimed at endorsing Ruto’s presidency for 2027 and selling out the Luhya community to the Kenya Kwanza government. In response, they warned that they would organize a parallel Bukhungu 3 meeting to counter it.
The leaders accused Atwoli of misleading the Azimio team in the last general elections before shifting his allegiance to Kenya Kwanza and argued that he should not be trusted.
“Some leaders are working to rally lughya people to head to Bukhungu 3 to support the government of someone called Zakayo until 2032,” said Wamalwa.
“You cannot come and cheat lughyas every year Atwoli,” added Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah who flanked the delegation.
