We will shoot down punitive taxes in bill, ODM legislators vow
Three opposition MPs from Kisii county have vowed to shoot down punitive taxes in the Finance Bill 2024.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party lawmakers Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Dr Charles Onchoke said they will not allow poor Kenyans to be burdened with taxes especially on foodstuff.
Imposed levies
Onchoke challenged Members of Parliament to reject the high taxes and levies imposed on Kenyans, saying, food is not taxed even in developed countries. “ We want taxes which are good and make sense. We want development but within reasonable means” the Onchoke said at Immaculate Conception, Nyabururu catholic church during a funds drive for it.
The legislator said the country cannot develop through excessive taxation, stressing, opposition lawmakers will only support taxes friendly to Kenyans.
Barongo said it was wrong for the government to propose to tax bread, noting it was basic and would affect poor Kenyans who rely on it for breakfast.
The MP pointed out that bread is a substitute to potatoes and other foodstuff, noting, increasing taxes on it was like removing it from households.
“ We want the government to be attentive to the needs of the population. Kenyans are poorer due to the draconian taxes being pushed down their throats by the government” Barongo said during the funds drive.
He said the government was taking advantage of the ‘ short memory’ of Kenyans to impose high taxes and levies, saying opposition Lawmakers will not allow it and urged members of the public to support them.
Kibagendi (pictured) appealed to Members of Parliament to unite regardless of their political party affiliations and reject the high taxes.
He said last year, the government used some MPs to pass a Finance Bill, adding they will not allow taxes which hurt poor Kenyans.
“ You did not send us to Parliament to increase taxes. Our work is to represent, legislate and oversight the government” Kibagendi told the faithful after mass celebrated by Kisii Catholic Diocese Bishop, Joseph Mairura.
