Kalonzo vows to lead street protests against proposed tax reforms
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Musyoka has bashed the government's proposal, stating that increased taxes would add to the financial strain on Kenyans, while benefiting only a small, wealthy elite.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has threatened to lead street protests if the Kenya Kwanza government proceeds with plans to reintroduce parts of the Finance Bill 2024.
Musyoka has bashed the government's proposal, stating that increased taxes would add to the financial strain on Kenyans, while benefiting only a small, wealthy elite.
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"We cannot remain silent while Kenyans suffer," Musyoka declared, expressing his determination to oppose any further tax hikes.
"If they attempt to bring back the Finance Bill, we will not keep quiet. This is a revolution," he added.
The Wiper leader spoke to a gathering in Nairobi's Umoja estate after a church service on Sunday, Musyoka led his supporters to Kimoroni Stadium in Murang'a County, where they participated in a gospel concert.
In Murang'a, he intensified his criticisms of President William Ruto's administration, openly condemning the Finance Bill's provisions.
DAP-K party leader, Eugene Wamalwa, who was also in attendance, supported Musyoka's statements, insisting that the opposition's role as a protector of the people.
"We are here with Kalonzo, and we are fighting to protect Kenyans, not just the wealthy few," Wamalwa asserted.
The government has proposed to restore some of the tax measures it scrapped from the controversial Finance Bill 2024 that was repealed following public uproar.
Tax measures
Through the Ministry of Treasury, the tax measures will be consolidated into three new bills that will be tabled before Parliament: Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Unlike in the past where the government tabled the bills without much fanfare, this time round the Treasury has posted a two-page explainer on the local dailies to provide a detailed account of the new proposals.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi said that the new bills would spur economic growth and assist in bridging the fiscal deficit through enhanced revenue collection.
Following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024, the government estimated a deficit of Sh346 billion.
Going further and reflecting on recent youth-led protests earlier this year, Musyoka praised Gen Z activists for standing up for ordinary Kenyans and called their actions part of a larger movement.
"Their efforts will not be in vain," he said, stressing the importance of collective voices in advocating for fairness.
Musyoka also addressed proposals by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to extend term limits for elected leaders, urging him to abandon the idea, calling it "out of touch" with the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
Musyoka argued that reforms should focus on improving the lives of the majority rather than expanding privileges for the political elite.
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