Wamalwa hints at return of street demos over Finance Bill standoff
Former Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eugene Wamalwa has subtly announced the resumption of the Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition protests if the Finance Bill 2023 is not revised.
While addressing a crowd in Budalangi, Wamalwa who attended the homecoming of the area Member of Parliament (MP) Raphael Wanjala, noted that the proposed Bill would cause a financial strain to Kenyans already struggling to survive the lean times.
The former CS insisted that the Finance Bill 2023 should not be passed in parliament and equally vowed to mount pressure should the MPs pass it.
While denouncing the proposals in the Bill, Wamalwa stated that the Finance Bill 2023 is against the law and will hurt Kenyans if approved.
"The truth of the matter is this proposal you are bringing, that there is a 16% VAT on fuel, 3% housing levy, these things are against the law and they will hurt Kenyans. If they will not have solved the VAT issue and other things that will hurt Kenyans then we will build pressure until they (government) comply," he stated.
"Are you ready to return to maandamano if they do not reduce the price of unga, fuel, electricity? If you are ready then we are ready to stand behind Raila to challenge these people (government)," he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who urged the coalition MPs to reject it for the sake of Kenyans.
"Kenyans think that the Housing Levy is the only faulty issue in the Finance Bill. There are many other things in that Bill and we urge all Azimio leaders in the Senate and the National Assembly to make sure that that Bill does not pass. If it passes the problems Kenyans will face are a lot," he noted.
Hot take
The Finance Bill 2023 set to be tabled in Parliament on June 15, 2023, has elicited a heated debate across the mainstream and social media platforms with a section criticizing it owing to some of the proposals that would hurt the pockets of many.
Among the proposals at the centre of the debate are the 16 per cent VAT on fuel and a 3 per cent housing levy.
