‘Don’t blame Ruto if taxes increase, blame your MPs’ – Ledama
Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina says President William Ruto should not be blamed if taxes are increased through the Finance Bill 2023, instead members of Parliament should take the blame.
In a statement, Ledama said MPs should not agree to everything the President says, but should instead have their own stand.
"Don’t blame (President) William Ruto for high taxes blame your members of parliament! When the fuel tax goes to 16% blame your MPs. When civil servants are taxed 3% for housing blame your MPs. They are the ones who are gullible. Instead of saying no they say yes to everything that Ruto wants!" Ledama stated.
This comes moments after the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party expressed fears that the government could be on a mission to 'buy' opposition MPs to support the bill.
Speaking on Sunday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga promised to mobilise opposition MPs to shoot down the Bill, but expressed fears that the government could 'buy' opposition MPs to pass it.
"We wish to make it clear from the outset that as a party, we will try our best to ensure that this anti-people budget is not passed by the National Assembly. In the event that Kenya Kwanza uses its hired majority and passes the Bill as it is, we want the people of Kenya to understand that it is Kenya Kwanza’s Bill. It is Kenya Kwanza’s budget. It will be Kenya Kwanza strangling Kenyans. We will instruct our MPs to have nothing to do with it," Raila said.
Among other changes, the Finance Bill 2023 proposes a deduction of 3 per cent of basic salaries to finance the affordable housing scheme.
"We find it curious that while not everyone qualifies for the proposed affordable housing regime, everyone is expected to pay. This is illegal borrowing. According to the Bill, those who do not qualify for the affordable houses will have their monies refunded or transferred to beneficiaries, after seven years. There is no mention of interest accrued on the money," Raila protested.
