Raila calls on Kenyans to reject excess taxation

By Robert Mutasi 

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party has today called on Kenyans to reject the excessive taxation included in the Finance Bill 2023.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga, on behalf of the party, has said that the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto is using excessive finance, which he termed as "wasteful expenditure."

He has urged Ruto to be emphatic about the state of the nation and address the issue.

He has further urged Members of Parliament to vote against the bill because excessive taxation will hamper economic growth.

He has stated that many Kenyans are unable to afford the basics due to the high cost of living.

In his address, he has requested President William Ruto to undertake measures in the budget for the financial year that will lower the cost of living.

First, he has suggested that the President avoid duplicating county roles and responsibilities in the proposed budget.

"Health is receiving 35 billion shillings at the national level, yet health is a devolved function," Raila said.

Secondly, he has recommended that the President adopt zero-based budgeting by not taking the previous budget as the baseline; every budget must start at ground zero, where everything has to be justified.

He has again warned the President to avoid increasing the size of the budget; instead, he should cut it down to fit within the means.

Odinga has told Ruto that instead of overtaxing Kenyans, he should look for the loopholes that lead to the loss of revenue.

"Avoid non-essential government expenditure, including the appointment of chief administrative secretaries," he added during his speech delivery.

"Cut non-essential domestic and international travel, freeze ministerial out-of-station allowances, and instead of housing allowances and domestic allowances for cabinet and principal secretaries," he continued.

Azimio wants the government to withdraw the Finance Bill 2023 and offer an apology to the public and seek forgiveness.