Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while peaking on Saturday, June 3 at St Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Kitui said the proposed Finance Bill 2023 must pass as it is.
The second in command stated that it is not sensible to fight an increment in taxes and at the same time expect the government to build schools, repair roads and set up other infrastructure.
“I am a person who speaks the truth; people must give taxes to finance our capital and recurrent expenditure… there was a call to recruit more teachers, who will pay for this? I can’t pay for it with my Ksh1 million salary… that money will be gotten from the citizens” he said.
He also slammed opposition leader Raila Odinga saying, “Even if you make noise and put sufurias on your head, even if you reject the bill, thinking it won’t pass, you don’t have the numbers and that’s the truth, there’s no need.”
Moreover, Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai who was present at the event stated that the Finance Bill is a done deal.
“We want to do what Singapore did and we must pass this Finance Bill to get to where the country is. The Housing Levy will enable youths get jobs and it’s only 3% that is being deducted.” Mbai stated.
Also Read: Not Even a Coma Will be Amended in the Proposed Finance Bill – Senator Cherargei
Likewise, nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, supported the bill saying it had many ‘goodies’, mentioning the exemptions on fertilizer to help prop up agriculture as one of them.
“People are focusing on the Housing Levy. If you don’t want the houses being offered, you will have access to your money,” Mutinda said.
Nonetheless, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu stated that no country had ever taxed its people to prosperity.
As such, he said the Finance Bill 2023 should be shot down.
“We must say the truth. This is taxpayers’ money. I appeal to the government to reconsider the move to increase VAT on petroleum products from 8% to 16%. Look for alternative ways,” he said.
