Azimio Coalition Threatens Street Protests Over Proposed Tax Hikes
Principal Kalonzo Musyoka of the Azimio la Umoja coalition made it clear that if the Finance Bill 2024, as proposed by the National Treasury, gets approval in Parliament, they will take to the streets in protest.
During a church service at the Vision Centre in Embakasi East, Musyoka, accompanied by co-principal Martha Karua, expressed concern over what he deemed excessively high taxes, particularly burdensome for low-income households.
He specifically criticized the inclusion of taxes on essential items like food, viewing it as unduly harsh.
Musyoka urged Parliament to revise the bill, warning that if they fail to do so, the opposition will mobilize with the general populace for nationwide demonstrations.
He highlighted the impact of increased taxes on everyday items such as bread, questioning the logic of depriving Kenyan children of such a basic necessity.
Musyoka emphasized their patriotism and desire for a peaceful country, rejecting the notion of madness in their actions.
Karua echoed Musyoka’s sentiments, emphasizing that the proposed tax hikes would exacerbate the financial strain already felt by many Kenyan households.
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While acknowledging the government’s need for revenue for development, she stressed that the tax burden should not render food inaccessible to the populace.
Karua voiced concern over the possibility of increased child hunger and disrupted education due to excessive taxation targeting poor families.
The Finance Bill includes several new tax proposals, spanning various sectors such as motor vehicles, multinational corporations, and digital content.
Under the proposed motor vehicle tax, owners would face charges ranging from Ksh5,000 to Ksh100,000, contingent on the vehicle’s value.
Multinational firms with a gross turnover of Ksh106 billion or more would be subject to the minimum top-up tax.
Additionally, the government aims to transition all government employees to contractual agreements and intends to raise taxes on the boda boda sector.
Azimio Coalition Threatens Street Protests Over Proposed Tax Hikes