Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah while speaking at Busia Stadium on Sunday, May 28 faced president William Ruto on the proposed mandatory contribution to the housing fund threatening to move to court.
Omtatah who spoke during an interreligious prayer meeting attended by the head of state and other leaders opined that contribution to the proposed Housing Fund in the Finance Bill should be voluntary.
“The issue on housing, the former president had tried imposing the housing tax and I was among the people who went to court to fight it. The Finance Bill has so far violated the constitution in six ways if not corrected you will leave me no choice but to move to court,” Omtatah told the President.
Moreover, the proposed housing fund has sparked debate countrywide with Azimio leaders noting that the proposed bill unfairly targets the middle class who are already going through hardships and have no more money to pay additional taxes.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Raises Concerns Over the Proposed Finance Bill 2023
Likewise, opposition leader Raila Odinga has warned that he will initiate street protests if the Finance Bill 2023 is pushed through Parliament. He vowed to organize individuals across the nation to defend themselves.
“We will have no option but to mobilize all the social sectors and take all necessary political actions to stop this blow and burden,” he stated.
Nonetheless, the head of state defended the proposed housing bill noting that it is the collective business of Kenyans to support decent housing and job creation.
“Many people have questioned me why I am bothering them with all of this; some are asking me whether they asked me for a house and why I want to deduct their money. This country belongs to all of us,” he stated on May 21 during an interdenominational prayer service in Isiolo.