Tuesday, June 18, 2024 –Finally, Government has succumbed to public pressure and removed the questionable taxes on some key items.
Among the taxes that have since been removed today Tuesday June 18, include Eco Levy on local manufacturers, VAT on bread, mobile and bank transfer exercise duty of 20 percent, motor vehicle tax, and tax on cooking oil which has also been expunged.
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In a Parliamentary Group Meeting held at Statehouse premises today TueSDAY, the commander-in-chief confirmed having held a meeting with stakeholders and came up with appropriate proposalS to be included and to be excluded in the Finance Bill 2024.
“We have had a robust public engagement on the proposed Finance Bill. We have adjusted the document accordingly. We are glad we are having conversations about issues, and our institutions are working. This is how democracies function,” Ruto announced in a statement shared out.
Getting Priorities Right
He also pointed out that his leadership is currently working with all leaders to align their priorities with what the members of the public want.
“We are working with all leaders to align our priorities with the needs of the people, ensuring that no one is left behind in our nation’s transformation journey. At State House Nairobi, met leaders from Kwale County to review key development projects and pressing issues in the county including land challenge, drug abuse and regulation of muguka trade. We have scheduled a series of meetings with other leaders including MCAs in the coming days,” Ruto also stated.
Speaking in the same meeting, Majority leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, lauded their administration for listening to the people.
“A responsible leadership listens to its people. We have listened and heard you,” Ichung’wah said shortly after the removal of the taxes.
However, Kenyans led by top lawyer Ahamednasir Abdullahi, wondered who came up with THE Bill that has been questioned in all fronts.
“So much political goodwill lost over a budget proposal prepared by incompetent and clueless personnel…where did H.E William Ruto bring from these miscellaneous collections of blundering unskilled labourers,” said Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi.
Azimio counter-statement
Azimio la Umoja opposition camp, in a counter statement to the move by the government to now pass the Bill after corrections, has released a press statement saying, it will be holding their Parliamentary Group meeting at County Hall to prepare to reject the Bill in totality.
“Azimio la Umoja PG meeting at County Hall in Nairobi has resolved to reject the Finance Bill and demand for its total withdrawal,” read a statement from the communication team.
Secretary General ODM Party, Edwin Sifuna, while sharing his thoughts on the same, said, it looks bad for the current administration to think it has done a favour to anyone by removing some taxes.
“Dont talk to us about his listening ears. Tell us about his evil head that consistently comes up with these nefarious ideas in the first place! You want us to clap for you for what exactly? Cleaning your own piss? Kenyans, it doesn’t have to be like this. It’s not your life mission to force people to do the right thing! Choose better!”
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Weeks ago, opposition leader Raila Odinga vowed to rally his members to shoot down the Bill which he described as oppressive.
Kenyans including activists today occupied Parliament building and compound together with Nairobi streets in protest against the Finance Bill.