Ole Sapit to Ruto: People are hungry

By Peter Ochieng

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)  Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit is clear on what he wants deleted from the controversial finance bill, 2023.

Speaking in Nyando, Kisumu during a consecration ceremony over the weekend, Ole Sapit said a 3 per cent levy is not in order at this particular time, when most Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet.

He told President William Ruto, whose administration is pushing for the passage of the bill that people are hungry, adding that housing is not a priority.

“We didn’t see as a priority of the 3 percent levy on housing as per now because people are hungry,” said the clergy.

He said he is among thousands of Kenyans who have written to the National Aseembly finance committee, calling for review of a sections of clauses of the bill.

Ole Sapit says that despite the fact that the bill is key going foward, it needs to be relooked into keenly so as to avoid sinking more Kenyans in poverty, through heavy taxation.

“I know we can’t move as a country without that Bill, we don’t object to it in totality but areas pointed out should be looked into."

Chairman of the finance committee in National Aseembly Francis Kimani Kuria, on Sunday told Kenyans that the bill will definitely undergo ammendments, before possible passage in the August House.

On the other hand, Azimio leader Raila Odinga called on his supporters to be ready for another round of street demos, if the bill goes through.

The bill is expected to be tabled in the House for debate, this week.