Cracks Begin to Form in Opposition as Azimio MP Pledges Support for Finance Bill
A Member of Parliament aligned with the Orange Democratic Party has recently altered his position to support the Finance Bill 2024, following the removal of several controversial provisions, which he believes now make the bill more advantageous for the public.
Christopher Aseka, representing Kwisero, is the first opposition MP to shift his stance amid nationwide peaceful protests, where citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with specific aspects of the bill.
“Following yesterday’s announcements, taxes on bread and edible oil have been removed. There are certain provisions in the Finance Bill that I endorse, such as the taxes on alcohol and liquor beverages,” Aseka stated.
The government, through Kuria Kimani, Chairman of the Finance and National Planning Committee in the National Assembly, confirmed the retraction of the excise duty proposals on bread and edible oil.
A joint press conference concluded with the decision to drop the proposed 16% VAT on bread and taxes on mobile phone transfers, following extensive deliberations.
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Just a day after the Azimio Parliamentary Groups (PG) held a joint press conference on Tuesday, June 18, where they collectively resolved to reject the Finance Bill 2024 entirely, an opposition-aligned MP has notably shifted his stance.
The decision by the Azimio MPs to oppose the bill followed thorough discussions that took place immediately after the Chair of the NA Finance Committee tabled the amended document in parliament.
The Azimio leaders, with the support of Raila Odinga, affirmed their rejection of the bill to reflect the sentiments of the peaceful demonstrators across the country.
The Finance Bill, which aims to enhance revenue collection, is currently under deliberation in the National Assembly before it is put to a vote.
Before some MPs started dissenting, Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had urged all 86 lawmakers from the party to be present throughout the discussions of the Finance Bill 2024.
In the recent general elections, MP Aseka successfully defended his seat under the Orange Democratic Party banner, securing a decisive victory over his opponent, Godfrey Kanoti. Aseka received 28,156 votes, while Kanoti garnered 4,673 votes, with 419 votes being rejected.
Cracks Begin to Form in Opposition as Azimio MP Pledges Support for Finance Bill