Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has made it clear that he will vote against the Kenya Kwanza government tax proposals in the National Assembly.
He emphasized his stance against any tax measures that would further burden Kenyans with hardship.
“I am not for any tax that will bring suffering to Kenyans. I will not vote for the Finance Bill, 2024,” declared the ODM MP during a speech in Njiru ward, Kasarani Constituency over the weekend.
Wanyonyi highlighted the importance of taxes but criticized some of the proposed measures as excessively punitive.
He expressed deep concern over the potential impact of the bill on ordinary citizens, emphasizing the need to prioritize the welfare of Kenyans.
His firm opposition signals a significant stance against the government’s proposed tax reforms, setting the stage for potential debate and deliberation in the National Assembly.
“The current Finance Bill in Parliament, if it passes, will make the life of Kenyans very difficult,” he warned.
His remarks resonate with the sentiments of some Kenyans who have taken to social media to petition their MPs to reject the bill.
“We will vote No,” Wanyonyi stated unequivocally, aligning himself with the public’s demand for a more considerate approach to taxation.
ODM has since directed its MPs to be present in the House for the duration of the consideration of the Finance Bill, 2024.
The ODM leadership wants all party members to be present in the House during tabling and voting on the Bill.
In a letter to all MPs, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the party’s Central Committee directed him to write to the lawmakers to ask them to be in the House during the period.
“You are further requested to suspend any other engagements that would otherwise see you out of Nairobi during this critical period,” the letter reads in part.
On the other hand, Azimio has instructed its MPs to reject the Bill in totality.
“We reaffirm our stand that all well-meaning Kenyans must oppose the Finance Bill 2024 and have thus instructed all our Parliamentary members to lead from the front in rejecting this punitive bill in its totality,” Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Kalonzo saluted Kenyans who have used phone calls, text messaging and social media initiatives to urge their MPs to vote no.
