Azimio la Umoja has instructed its members to reject the proposed Finance Bill, 2024, hinting at the possibility of resuming street protests if the “punitive” document is approved. Additionally, the coalition has set a two-month deadline for finalizing the eight Bills accompanying the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report.
The coalition’s leadership, headed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, criticized the proposed taxes outlined in the Finance Bill, labeling them as harsh and warning that they could lead to the impoverishment of Kenyans. Musyoka emphasized that the Bill must be opposed, threatening that the coalition will be compelled to organize nationwide demonstrations if it is forced through Parliament.
“As a coalition, we are ready to go back to the streets if that is what it takes. I hope you are bold enough. Be ready ladies and gentlemen,” Kalonzo said.
“If you feel a little weak that you think you can’t withstand another round of demonstrations, then go eat something strong because we need you and this country needs you.”
The Finance Bill, 2024 was published on May 9 and is currently open for public participation until May 28. This bill contains tax proposals intended to raise revenue for the Kenya Kwanza government’s ambitious projects. One notable proposal is the introduction of a Motor Vehicle Tax, set at 2.5 percent of the vehicle’s value, with a minimum tax of Sh5,000 and a maximum of Sh100,000 payable upon issuance of insurance cover.
Speaking during an Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting at Nairobi’s Stanley hotel, Kalonzo Musyoka highlighted these concerns. The meeting, attended by Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, ODM deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, and several coalition MPs, aimed to discuss the content of the eight Bills accompanying the Nadco report.
Notably absent were opposition chief Raila Odinga, Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah. The coalition expressed frustration at the slow pace with which the bicameral House is considering these crucial Bills, echoing recent calls from President William Ruto to expedite the passage of the Nadco Bills.
“The Nadco report has been hanging somewhere in Parliament. I do not know at which stage the report is but is seems to be moving slowly. Speed it up,” Ruto said on May 3 during the celebration of NG-CDF 20 years of existence.
“The report seems stuck as you are drinking tea in Parliament.”
Kioni, while accusing Kenya Kwanza of acting in bad faith in the enactment of the Bills, told the coalition lawmakers not to be compromised but to stand for the people of Kenya.
“Kenya Kwanza is not committed to fulfilling all the promises, including enacting the Bills,” he said.
“Parliament is our last line of defence, if you go to bed with Kenya Kwanza then there is no other hope. Don’t lie to us that you are going for projects.”
