Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for admonishing Members of Parliament who are publicly criticizing the national budget proposals.
Following public outcry over the Finance Bill 2024, Wetangula scolded MPs for politicizing the budget-making process stressing their crucial role in its formulation and approval.
Wetangula urged MPs to uphold their responsibility by addressing concerns within the parliamentary framework rather than airing grievances in public.
In a rejoinder, Senator Edwin Sifuna accused the Speaker of hypocrisy, alleging that Wetangula was involved in drafting the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
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“Wetangula thinks we are all fools. I have heard him on several occasions say he “will not allow” legislation that is “against our African values” especially when speaking at Catholic events. Now he is pretending to be powerless.”
“Secondly, he reminds us at every turn that he is a Principal in Kenya Kwanza and 3rd in command. We know he participated in writing the Finance Bill 2024,” said Sifuna, who is allied to the Azimio opposition coalition.
He added, “Lastly, he is still the Party Leader of Ford Kenya. All his MPs voted for the punitive taxes last year and I know for a fact that is the same instruction he has given them this year. Watu si wajinga buana.”
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, during a Tuesday address, urged MPs aligned with the Azimio opposition coalition to oppose the proposed Finance Bill 2024 when it reaches parliament. Kalonzo argued that the bill, if passed in its current form, would only inflict further harm on Kenyan citizens.
Speaking at Azimio’s Parliamentary Group meeting in Nairobi, Kalonzo emphasized that the proposed legislation contains harsh tax measures targeting essential items, which would negatively impact ordinary Kenyans.
Under President Ruto’s administration, the proposed Finance Bill aims to extract more funds from the public by introducing new taxes, including a rise in the price of bread and the introduction of a mandatory tax for all vehicle owners to support the 2024-2025 budget.
The Treasury’s proposal includes levying a 16 per cent VAT on bread, previously exempt from taxation.
Additionally, the bill suggests removing VAT exemptions on various financial services, such as credit and debit card issuance, telegraphic money transfer services, and cheque handling, processing, clearing, and settlement, including special clearance or cancellation of cheques.
