Opposition leader Raila Odinga has raised concerns over the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
While speaking during a press briefing on Monday, May 8, Raila stated that the proposed bill is a move by the Government to punish Kenyans.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader argued that the proposed bill goes against the promises President William Ruto had made earlier.
Raila Odinga’s Demands
Reduce Size of Government – The opposition chief demanded that the Kenya Kwanza government should reduce the size of the government, excess cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, directorates, advisors, aids, departments and cars that are consuming finances instead of subjecting employees to mandatory taxation.
“Why would anyone who doesn’t need a house be compelled to pay 3% of their salary? We need a review of this. Taxation of per diem paid to officers on duty at 30% is punishment. Since when was reimbursement treated as income? This is punitive,” Raila noted in his statement.
Reduce Government Expenditure – Mr. Odinga called for an immediate stop on non-essential government expenditures including the appointment of chief administrative officers.
The former prime minister further asked for the abolishment of money he alleged is being spent on political operations disguised as relief food distribution or fundraisers.
“It makes no sense at all for Kenya Kwanza operative to spend Ksh20 million on a chopper to distribute Ksh1 million worth of food. It makes no sense for a principal secretary to spend Ksh10 million on a chopper to deliver Ksh200,000 at a fundraiser,” he added.
Likewise, Mr. Odinga wants domestic and international travel, conferences, workshops, and training reduced, adding that the workshops should be held in government offices.
“Parliament has got enough facilities for committees to meet. The same thing applies to members of the county assembly. If they have offices in Nairobi, why would they send the officials to Mombasa to hold the workshops,” he posed.
Freeze on Cabinet and Principal Secretary Allowances – The Azimio leader also demanded for a freeze on ministerial out-of-station allowances, ministerial house allowances and domestic allowances for cabinet and principal secretaries.
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End Corruption – Raila Odinga urged the President William Ruto-led administration to putand end to corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
“Kenyans can’t and won’t tighten their belts any further. They have had enough. Their next available course of action is to force Kenya Kwanza to tighten its belt or force it out,” Rail noted.
Nevertheless, the proposed bill, if passed into law, will allow the government a legal mandate to partner with employers to see employees pay their fair share.
