Senator Cherargei dismisses public outcry, says Finance Bill to be passed 'without changing even a comma'

Nandi Senator Samson Cheraragei now says Parliament will pass the proposed Finance Bill 2023 without editing even a comma.

This is despite the hue and cry that has followed the release of the Bill, with Kenyans lamenting about the intended increase in taxes.

According to the Senator, who is a close ally of President William Ruto, the measures are necessary to ensure that the budget is adequately funded and the economy is resuscitated.

‘’The bill will be passed as is, without even amending a comma, so that government can be able to finance its budget,’’ he said.

Cherargei noted that currently, the country has a budget deficit of around Ksh.800 billion, adding that without the measures being taken, the country will continue borrowing which is not sustainable.

“The taxation that has been introduced is mostly on luxury objects, there are no new taxes that are being introduced that can harm a hustler, I have never seen a hustler wearing wigs or fake nails,’’ he said.

“We must be honest with the country, where we are, the trajectory we are taking is not good for the country, we must agree that it will be painful for some time, but at least the future of our children will be an economy that is prosperous,’’ said the Senator.

On the proposed addition of 8 per cent VAT on fuel products, Cherragei said the government to government deal between Kenya and gulf countries will cushion Kenyans against high fuel prices.

Cherargei claimed the fuel will be imported at a cheaper price, noting that it will be bought using Kenyan shillings as opposed to dollars that was driving up the price of fuel.

The bill that was tabled in Parliament last week has been strongly condemned especially by the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition which has threatened to go back on the streets if it’s passed as is.

The National Assembly has already called on Kenyans to give their views on the Bill before the Kuria Kimani-led Finance Committee starts interrogating the Bill.