Azimio leaders vow to shoot down Finance Bill 2024, say taxes are intolerable

Speaking in Busia County on Saturday, Wamalawa lamented that unsavory taxes being proposed in the Bill will puncture a hole into Kenyans' pockets further bruising the cost of living.

"Since he became president he has added new taxes every day. This year's Finance Bill he is adding a VAT of 16% on essential commodities including bread, and cooking oil and this will add the price of food," noted Wamalwa.

Wamalwa therefore urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to shoot it down and also granted Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah the green light to challenge in court. 

On his part, Senator Omtatah aired his frustrations at the high taxes included in the contentious Bill which he said must be accounted for by President William Ruto.

"We shall not allow you to use taxation to steal from Kenyans. Taxation must have a compelling reason. Telling us that you want tax without telling us where it will be used," said Omtatah.

He furthered his attack on President Ruto wanting him to avail the particulars of the bilateral agreements made between Kenya and the United States (US) during Ruto's recent visit to the global powerhouse.

"Let the republic of Kenya be free. We never fought for independence to be taken back to be colonized. Can you make public what contracts you have signed with the Americans? What is informing these contracts and where do you get the capacity to commit Kenya without going through the people of Kenya," said Omtatah.

The leaders also censured COTU Secretary General (SG) Francis Atwoli over his recent announcement that he is planning to convene a 'Bukhungu 3' meeting.

The leaders claimed that the meeting is aimed at endorsing Ruto's presidency for 2027 and auction the Luhya community to the Kenya Kwanza government, warning that they will organize a parallel Bukhungu 3 to counter it.

They accused him of misleading the Azimio team in the last general elections and later shifting allegiance to Kenya Kwanza and therefore should not be listened to.

"Some leaders are working to rally lughya people to head to Bukhungu 3 to support the government of someone called Zakayo until 2032," said Wamalwa.

"You cannot come and cheat lughyas every year Atwoli," added Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah who flanked the delegation.