In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party has instructed its lawmakers to suspend all foreign trips and be present in parliament to oppose the Finance Bill 2024, which is widely opposed by Kenyans for increasing the tax burden.
- Azimio leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, have criticized the bill and called for international and civil society support in rejecting it, emphasizing its detrimental impact on citizens and the substantial budget allocated for corruption.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party has issued several directives to its lawmakers, including suspending all foreign trips ahead of the debate and voting on the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which has been widely opposed by Kenyans.
The opposition party announced that the suspension of foreign trips will take effect this weekend to ensure that the strong opposition to the bill is clearly represented in parliament.
Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the budget statement read by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, arguing that it goes against the public good and will increase the tax burden on citizens who are already struggling.
Kalonzo also called for the intervention of the international community and civil society, urging them to support Kenyans in rejecting the bill.
Read Also:
Kenya’s Tax Burden Set to Rise by Ksh. 1 Trillion by 2027
DP Gachagua Responds to Critics: ‘I Speak for the People’
Jahmby Koikai’s Father Reported Dead After Missing Daughter’s Burial
“We urge the international community, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with Kenyans in condemning the Kenya Kwanza regime’s blatant disregard for the public good. We reaffirm our stance that all Kenyans must oppose the Finance Bill 2024, and we have instructed all our parliamentary members to lead the charge in rejecting this punitive bill in its entirety,” he stated.
All opposition MPs are expected to be present in parliament to oppose the bill, respecting the wishes of Kenyans who have clearly voiced their opposition.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stated, “All members of the National Assembly are to suspend any planned trips or activities that would take them out of Nairobi during the consideration of the Finance Bill 2024, from the date of tabling on Tuesday next week until a vote is taken.” Sifuna revealed that the party has already dispatched letters to its legislators, requiring them to be present in parliament throughout the week.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa added, “We are asking our MPs and the 179 MPs in Kenya Kwanza to understand that bad policies lead to bad lives. They should all reject the Finance Bill because it will hurt everyone, regardless of whether they are in Azimio or Kenya Kwanza.”
According to Sifuna, lawmakers who fail to comply with these directives or defy the opposition’s stance will face consequences.
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua also weighed in on the bill, noting that it will bring more pain to Kenyans, with Kalonzo highlighting that the bill includes a staggering Sh1 trillion budgeted for corruption.
Pingback: Brazilian Women Rally Against Bill Strengthening Abortion Ban - Kenyan Whispers