Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris has refuted claims that she has ditched Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition and joined the ruling Kenya Kwanza government.
The Nairobi Women representative who spoke outside parliament buildings on Thursday, June 15 after the 2023/24 budget was tabled in parliament affirmed that she is still an active member of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and a dedicated supporter of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
She also dismissed reports that she had been coerced to support President William Ruto’s proposed tax measures as stipulated in the Finance Bill 2023.
“I am still in Azimio and have been with ODM since 2007. I have supported Raila ever since, who has in turn supported us as candidates,” Passaris said.
While defending her decision to vote in favor of the Finance Bill 2023, Passaris explained that the government needed money for its operations.
According to the Nairobi Women Representative, the Finance Bill 2023 and the 2023/24 budget will protect Kenyans and the government from the negative consequences of mounting debts and a possible recession.
She also applauded the Kenya Kwanza administration for increasing the Higher Education Loans Board allocation and earmarking Ksh141 billion for the health sector.
“So, we must stand firm to ensure that our government has money. Where will we get the money if the government does not collect tax? People must be taxed so that the government can also fulfill its mandate. I have seen some good things from the budget, including increased allocation to HELB and hospitals,” She noted.
Also Read: Esther Passaris Supports the Housing Fund
“I would like to say that any government cannot function without money. Our country is grappling with huge debts, and we don’t want lenders to adopt austerity measures to control that.” Passaris added.
Furthermore, the legislator vowed to hold the state accountable for every penny collected under the controversial housing levy.
“I am still in opposition, and I will ensure that all the money is properly accounted for,” she insisted.
Nonetheless, ODM announced that it would take disciplinary action against its members who supported the Finance Bill 2023 and the budget reading process.
“The Party received complaints from its general membership regarding the conduct of its members of the National Assembly during yesterday’s vote on the Finance Bill, 2023. It has therefore commenced disciplinary proceedings against the members,” read the statement in part.
