Azimio MPs, Kihika support Finance Bill

Nakuru, Tuesday June 6, 2023

KNA by Anne Sabuni

Rift Valley MPs, allied to Azimio-One Kenya Alliance have vowed to back the Finance Bill to be tabled in Parliament this week, arguing that it was the only way the country could recover from the current huge debts and provide Kenyans with decent homes.

Led by Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, the MPs vowed to support President Dr. William Ruto on this, in order to spur development in the country.

Responding to critics of the same, the MP said, "The Bill has already gone through public participation and you have had your chance. 

We are going to tax those with payslips so that we can afford houses for the common man at the grassroots."

His Kacheliba Counterpart, Titus Lotee (KUP- Azimio), convinced the public attending this year's World Environment Day in Nakuru that the Housing Levy was part of the manifestos fronted by both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza Alliances in 2022.

He regretted that Azimio Leader Raila Odinga had decided to threaten his supporters, noting that the Bill was key in achieving development in the country.

"We want our colleagues and Kenyans in general to have knowledge and vision, while voting and debating this Bill. President Ruto is the vision carrier, therefore we are fully backing him, owing to his previous track record on development," added Lotee.

The MP cautioned fellow legislators against failing to pass the bill, noting that the country would continue borrowing from outside, thus enslaving the people.

Kericho County MP Beatrice Kemei urged Kenyans to ignore any negative energy from the Azimio team, but on the contrary listen, read and first understand the bill before rejecting or accepting it.

On her part, Bahati MP Irene Njoki said, "We can't fight the government all the time. I have to respect the government and support any efforts to salvage this country.”

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who graced the event, noted that despite the struggling economy, "If the president continues to borrow from outside, our children will live to suffer and country may even be auctioned to pay debts."

On the proposed housing levy, the governor was emphatic that Sh2, 500 was nothing to state officers earning Sh1 million every month.

 Courtesy ; K. N. A