Drop it, Kabando tells Ruto on housing levy

By Peter Ochieng

Former Mukurweini Member of Parliament (MP) Kabando wa Kabando wants president William Ruto to drop the housing levy like a hot potato.

The 3% levy proposal is contained in the yet to be passed, controversial Finance Bill, 2023.

President Ruto has maintained that the passage of the bill in the National Assembly is non-negotiable.

It is expected to be tabled in the August House this week, amidst opposition from majority of Kenyans.

In his advice to the Head of State, Kabando urged him to 'stop digging' because he is already in a hole.

"Mr. President, you must drop it. You're in a deep hole, stop digging. Dynasties vs Huntlers talk mesmerized many a voter. You won, fairly. But you can't misuse State Crown to set "Payslips" vs the unemployed. Sir, this one you can't and won't win. Either you heed logic or quit," said the ex legislature.

The former law maker in another statement last month warned that Ruto risks losing the support of Kenyans, even those who voted for him if the bill sails through.

"A sure upcoming defeat for Ruto is the fall of housing levy scam. If Ruto doesn't drop it or stooge MPs pass it, courts will strike it out. In the highly unlikely case the courts fail to block it, then Kenyans will for once be united iin a TaxSpring that'll retire Ruto to Sugoi."

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has directed his troops in Parliament to shoot down the bill.

But Ruto and other leaders in his Kenya Kwanza formation maintain that the bill seeks to free Kenyans from overdependence on local and international loans to run government.