On Wednesday, May 15, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said MPs have powers to amend the proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2024
Wetang’ula said lawmakers should not burden Kenyans by lamenting in public about the bill, yet they have the final say
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party lawmakers have publicly voiced their objection to the contentious bill
Bungoma – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has faulted Members of Parliament (MPs) publicly opposing the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
What Wetang’ula advised MPs on Finance Bill 2024
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party lawmakers have been using public forums to criticise the Finance Bill 2024.
However, speaking in Kabuchai Constituency on Wednesday, May 15, Wetang’ula called the move hypocritical.
The speaker argued that MPs are constitutionally tasked with making laws, including passing the contentious finance bill.
Wetang’ula said lawmakers should use their constitutional privileges and amend the proposed bill instead of publicly claiming that the proposals are punitive.
“I am asking our MPs to save the public from the agony of crying that the Finance Bill 2024 is bad. You are the ones who pass bills. Come to parliament and do the right thing,” Wetang’ula said.
Kalonzo threatens street protests over Finance Bill 2024
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party warned the Kenya Kwanza government against pushing for the passage of the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
During the Azimio Legislative Workshop on Wednesday, May 15, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka rallied opposition MPs to reject the contentious bill when tabled in parliament.
The former vice president argued that the proposed law by President William Ruto’s administration is only meant to hurt Kenyans more.
Kalonzo threatened mass action if the Kenya Kwanza administration ignored Kenyans’ concerns and implemented the bill as it is, just like they did with the Finance Bill 2023
What you need to know about Finance Bill 2024
President William Ruto strongly defended the new tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2024. The Finance Bill 2024 proposed to raise the excise duty rate on fees for money transfer services provided by banks, money transfer agencies, and other financial service providers.
According to the Bill, ordinary bread, among the zero-rated items, would cost more following the imposition of 16% VAT.
