Raila orders Azimio MPs to reject Ruto’s tax proposals 

Raila orders Azimio MPs to reject Ruto’s tax proposals contained in the finance bill 2023.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has directed opposition Members of Parliament to vote against the Finance Bill 2023, terming the new tax proposals as irrational. 

The former prime minister wondered why the Kenya Kwanza government wants everyone to contribute towards affordable housing, yet not everyone qualifies to own a house under the scheme. 

“Unilaterally, Kenya Kwanza wants to deduct 3% of basic salaries to finance the affordable housing scheme. In an economy where employees are already faced with reduced income due to the high cost of goods, we find the introduction of this new tax irrational. We found it curious that while not everyone qualifies for the proposed affordable housing regime, everyone is expected to pay. This is illegal borrowing ,” said Raila. 

Raila also criticised the plan by the government to tax digital content creators by introducing a 15% tax on their revenue. “From paying zero tax, a creative youth who creates a digital platform or content will now be required to pay 15% tax. As a country, we will be killing innovation and leaving our youth with too few options, if any. We will not support this proposal,” he said. 

Raila’s directive comes even as Kenya Kwanza MPs says they will make sure tax proposals will passed in the parliament.

Speaking at Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s book launch, Osoro vowed to whip MPs to support the bil. 

The South Mugirango lawmaker pledged to apply the advice of Duale, who once told him that the government side never loses in any debate on the floor of the house. 

According to the majority whip, he will ensure the parliament pass the finance bill even if it is unpopular. “As a leader in the National Assembly, I have an obligation to make sure the government does not lose even when it is unpopular. Your Excellency the President, with the fact that the government does not lose, I assure you even the finance bill will pass,” Osoro’ said.

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Meanwhile, the opposition has hatched a four-pronged strategy to shoot down President William Ruto’s tax proposals contained in the Finance Bill, 2023.

Among the plans by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is the push for an open vote, where an MP is called out and says whether he votes “Yes” or “No” for a particular clause of a bill.

Through this, Azimio believes the majority of MPs will fear facing the wrath of Kenyans. They will be seen as placing more burdens on citizens if they vote for the bill.

The coalition plans to collect information on the open voting and publicise it in its media platform “to expose MPs who voted in favour of more taxes and label them enemies of the people”.

 Azimio is also mobilising ordinary Kenyans to send a memorandum to Parliament rejecting the revenue-raising proposals contained in the bill.

It is also encouraging different organisations to send rejection memorandums to Parliament.

The coalition will then use the memorandums to argue its point on the floor of the House during the debate, saying Kenyans from all walks of life have rejected the bill.

If push comes to shove, Azimio suggests, it is willing to go down the path of heckling their colleagues to disrupt the debate.

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