Salasya issues demand to Treasury CS Njuguna ahead of Finance Bill debate

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Kalerwa Salasya has challenged Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u to explain what the country gained after the Finance Bill 2023 was enacted.

Speaking at his rural Mumias backyard on Monday, June 17, 2024, Salasya argued that MPs will only take part in the Finance Bill 2024 debate if they are properly informed on the success of the previous one.

Salasya highlighted that Kenya Kwanza defended the current Finance Act insisting that it was key to changing the country’s economy.

However, Salasya opined that since it was passed into law nothing has really changed in the country.

“We are not going to have that discussion about the Finance Bill. It is a must for the Treasury CS to come and explain what they have achieved with the current one,” Salasya said.

“They said that they were going to table a Finance Bill that would change the country and make the country have enough money but right now I have not even issued all the bursary money because that Bill has not helped us and you still want to add more taxes? Kenyans have refused!”

The first time MP told the Mumias East electorates that he had received many messages from Kenyans online asking him to reject the Bill. Salasya assured the people that he would honour their demands and shoot down the Bill when it will be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Message to President Ruto

Salasya urged President William Ruto to reconsider some of the contentious issues contained in the Finance Bill. He said that passing the Bill would further burden the already burdened citizens.

“I know the President you are my friend but the people have rejected it and I as Peter Salasya, have also said no,” Salasya affirmed.

The report on the Finance Bill is expected to be tabled on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, where MPs will debate and then vote on it.

If it gets overwhelming support in the National Assembly, it will be forwarded to President Ruto who will assent to it making it law.

The Kenya Kwanza is using the revenue measures outlined in the Bill to finance its budget which is north of Ksh3.9 trillion for the 2024/24 financial year.

During the public participation phase, major companies expressed their reservation for the Bill. Some of the companies warned of possible relocation and mass firing if the Finance Bill 2024 is passed.

Other stakeholders argued that it would raise the country’s cost of living due to new taxes such as eco levy and motor vehicle circulation tax.

Moreover, Infotrak survey revealed that  87 per cent of Kenyans are opposed to the revenue mobilisation measures proposed in the Bill.

However, the final shot now lies on MPs who are set to debate on the Finance Bill 2024 amidst threats of protests from a section of Kenyans under the banner ‘Reject Finance Bill.’

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