MPs told to reject the Financial Bill 2023

 

Lawyer James Aggrey Mwamu addressing a press conference at his home in Kisumu during a past event-File Photo

By Dickson Odhiambo

June 1, 2023

MPs told to reject the Financial Bill 2023

THE Members of Parliament across the political divide have been urged to reject the controversial Finance Bill 2023 that will be tabled before the House next week.

Former President of the East African Law Society James Aggrey Mwamu says the Finance Bill 2023 is very punitive and will automatically lead to high cost of living for the already overburdened Kenyans.

Addressing the press in Kisumu, Mwamu said President Ruto should rescind his decision on the issue of the 3 percent Housing levy that will see Kenyans taxed on the issue.

Mwamu says Kenyans should never be forced to pay three percent housing levy fund, adding that the Finance Bill has various tax issues that will affect the various sectors of the economy especially the common man.

He says Kenyans have a right to make choices on how they want to own houses and not being forced to pay the 3 percent Housing Levy.

Mwamu says the best thing is to dialogue with Kenyans so that an amicable solution can be found on the various contentious issues in the Finance Bill 2023.

He adds that should the Members of Parliament pass the Bill in Parliament then some Kenyans will have an option of moving to court to challenge it.

Mwamu adds that there is no way the already overburdened Kenyans will continue to be burdened through imposing punitive taxes and  the cost of living is still skyrocketing.

“The Kenya Kwanza should surely focus on reducing the cost of living for Kenyans as they promised during the campaigns ahead of the last year’s polls,” Mwamu says.

He urges Members of Parliament to think about Kenyans first before passing the Finance Bill, adding that they will need the electorates for their re-elections during the next General Elections.

“Let Members of Parliament put the interests of Kenyans first before anything else and trash that Finance Bill 2023. By doing this, they will be serving them genuinely after they shall have rejected the Bill in its totality,” Mwamu adds.

Mwamu’s sentiments comes barely a few days after the UASU officials threatened to stage peaceful demonstrations across the country to reject the Bill should Parliament pass it.

Other stakeholders have also urged President Ruto to rescind the decision on the 3 percent Housing Levy while arguing that its very punitive indeed to Kenyans who are now experiencing the issue of high cost of living.