Many Kenya Kwanza MPs do not support finance bill - Omtatah

By Peter Ochieng

A big chunk of Members of Parliament (MPs) aligned to President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Alliance are opposed to the Finance Bill, 2023.

This, is according to Busia Senator cum activist Okoiti Okiyah Omtatah.

On Friday last week, he filed a petition in court against sections of the bill, which he says if left to sail through the National Assembly, will lead to massive increase in the cost of living.

Speaking to NTV on Monday, Senator Omtatah claimed a big number of Kenya Kwanza MPs are opposed to the bill.

He said one of the Kenya Kwanza MPs even gave him Sh10, 000 for photocopy as he was preparing the petition.

“It is not Azimio alone. Many Kenya Kwanza MPs whom I cannot name have approached me to say they do not support the bill. One is a frontline legislator in Kenya Kwanza who has even given me Sh10,000 as support for all the photocopying I did because I am saving them,” said the first term Senator.

Omtatah said he will support whatever is good for Kenyans, irrespective of the political divide.

“I am not a member of Azimio, but I agree with the stance Azimio has taken. If Kenya Kwanza takes a stance I agree with, I will also support them. It is all about constitutionalism and I am happy to have Azimio’s backing on this issue."

The Finance Bill, 2023 proposes a range of tax measures, including the 3% housing levy and an increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from the current 8% to 16%.

President William Ruto wants his troops in parliament to ensure the bill sails through, while Azimio leader Raila Odinga has urged his foot soldiers to shoot it down.