Kenyans Rally: Over 7,000 Signatures Collected to Halt Ruto’s Tax Plans
Free Kenya Movement (FKM) disclosed on Sunday, May 21. That it had filed a petition opposing the Finance Bill 2023. Which seeks to impose a variety of taxes on Kenyans.
The lobbying group announced in a press release that it had collected nearly 7,000 signatures from Kenyans in support of its petition to the National Assembly.
FKM observed that Kenyans were severely impacted by high food prices, which affected commodities such as corn flour and cooking oil.
Part of a statement by the Free Kenya movement read, “The increase in food and basic commodity prices threatens the people of Kenya with hunger and starvation, Food Insecurity, and economic instability.”
The group includes civil society organizations, community-based organizations (CBOs), religious organizations, human rights defenders, and ordinary Kenyans, among others.
Free Kenya Movement added that it presented a petition to the National Assembly on Friday, May 19 and that it was still collecting signatures from Kenyans in support of the petition through a website about better taxation.
The group added that millions of Kenyans lived below the poverty line and that additional taxes would only exacerbate the already deteriorating standard of living of citizens.
This is because “only in this manner can the millions of Kenyans living below the poverty line be rescued from poverty and their financial base grow,” the lobbying group stated.
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The lobbying group argued that if the National Assembly eliminates taxes on basic and essential goods, it will benefit Kenyans’ household budgets and stimulate economic growth.
“That the National Assembly expeditiously considers this petition and initiates legislation in the taxation policies to remove taxation on basic and essential commodities captured in the list above to assist in lowering the cost of living and ensuring better livelihoods,” the lobbying group stated.
Azimio resistance
On the other hand, Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition party Azimio. Raised concerns about the proposed Finance Bill 2023 on May 8. Stating that it was an attempt by the Government, led by President William Ruto, to punish Kenyans.
The former Prime Minister argued to the press that the bill violated the President’s earlier commitments.
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In his statement, Raila demanded that rather than subjecting all government employees to new mandatory taxation. The regime should instead reduce the size of the government. Excess cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, directorates, advisors. Departments, and cars that were consuming funds without providing a good return on investment.
“Why would someone who does not require a home be required to pay 3% of their income? This requires review,” stated Raila.
On May 7, David Ndii, the chief economic advisor to President William Ruto, reprimanded Kenyans who opposed the Finance Bill 2023.
Ndii defended the Finance Bill 2023. Stating that it was drafted with expert analysis and external factors such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in mind.
“Finance Bill opponents should sit down and draft an alternative budget that cushions external shocks without the IMF and reduces the deficit without tax measures.” And consider the numbers,” stated Ndii.
A few days prior, activists and lobbying groups criticized the 3% housing levy fund. Questioning the selection criteria for beneficiaries of the same housing project. Ndii’s comments emerged a few days later.
Activists argued that mandating the housing levy overburdens workers. Who are already overburdened by new NSSF deductions, NHIF rates, and pay-as-you-earn (PAYE).
Kenyans Rally: Over 7,000 Signatures Collected to Halt Ruto’s Tax Plans
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