Journalist and activist Hanifa Farsafi has issued a stern warning to President William Ruto and National Treasury CS John Mbadi against reintroducing parts of the collapsed Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement, Hanifa accused President Ruto of appointing a corrupt individual to the Cabinet following the Finance Bill protests led by Gen Z.
“We dare the President of the Republic of Kenya, to bring back the Finance Bill and see what happens. You’ve created a corrupt Cabinet. Enough is enough. The ultimate power belongs to the people of Kenya,” she said.
The activist emphasized that the government should not implement any part of the Finance Bill after the protests, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.
“I’m very upset and, unfortunately, feeling unwell, but nothing makes me sicker than this government. There’s absolutely no way they are going ahead with the Finance Bill. Sixty people died; I’d want to see them try, honestly,” Hanifa said.
Hanifa expressed her dissatisfaction with the current regime, warning that the President will leave office if the youth take to the streets again.
“I hate this government so much it actually hurts. Ruto, the next time we go to the streets, you will be going home! That is a promise,” Hanifa declared.
Hanifa Farsafi Plea to Gen Z
The activist urged the youth to stop fighting amongst themselves, regroup, and focus on the major issues.
Hanifa said she had planned to take a break from social media, but she has since changed her mind due to recent developments.
“I was going to take a one-month break from social media after posting the audited report from M-Changa, but it seems there is no rest for me in this world—maybe in the next. Bado mapambano. I dare you to bring back the finance bill. The people SHALL,” she said.
Also Read: Hanifa Farsafi: Meet Activist Who Played Leading Role in #OccupyParliament Protests
Mbadi Announces Plan to Bring Back Eco Levy
CS Mbadi revealed that 49 clauses of the Finance Bill 2024 will be included in the new Tax Amendment Bill.
Mbadi stated that the government is drafting a new revenue-raising proposal to collect an additional Ksh150 billion to cover the deficit caused by the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
Among the clauses to be revived is the Eco Levy, which was a key issue during the Gen Z-led protests.
The CS explained that the tax would not affect sensitive commodities, such as sanitary towels, but could impact multinational companies.
“The levy will target areas that would not affect the common mwananchi. Sensitive areas, like what was widely discussed, such as sanitary pads—those we can’t touch because Kenyans have spoken,” Mbadi said.
Also Read: CS Mbadi Reveals Sections of Finance Bill 2024 to Return in New Tax Proposals
Tax Amnesty Period and KRA Changes
Additionally, the government plans to extend the tax amnesty period by six months to allow more Kenyans to file their returns.
“Last year, we allowed for tax amnesty, and because of that, the government collected Ksh43 billion. So, tax amnesty is beneficial both to the taxpayer and the government,” the CS explained.
The government also plans to exempt basic commodities like bread from taxes, aiming to save Ksh70 billion and shield consumers.
Mbadi noted that the Treasury would reform the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) by ensuring system automation to seal loopholes and potentially generate an additional Ksh105 billion in revenue.
“If we reform KRA the way we want, the way I’m thinking about KRA, we can get no less than Ksh400 billion more. In fact, some people project even Ksh600 billion,” he said.
The Tax Amendment Bill is expected to be ready by the end of September.
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