The opposition leader, Raila Odinga, sent an evening message to President Ruto, who is in the Netherlands. In his statement, Mr Odinga said that the Azimio team has disassociated itself from the latest proposal by Kenya Kwanza.
In the proposal, the government wants to increase the VAT on fuel by 8%. If the proposal is adopted, the fuel VAT will be increased from the current 8% to 16%.
This proposal has sparked a huge debate for the better part of the day, and Mr Odinga argues that it will only be a burden to Kenyans.
He further opines that an increase in taxes will be unfavourable for jobless youths and poor people. As the leader of Azimio, he says they will strongly oppose the proposal and ensure that it does not pass.
“The proposed Finance Bill by the Kenya Kwanza Regime is a punishing burden on Kenyans. The tsunami of taxes will suffocate the jobless youth and the poor. We strongly oppose this anti-people budget and will ensure it doesn’t pass. If it does, we disassociate ourselves from it,” he said.
For the proposal to be implemented, it must be supported by 2/3 of the members of the National Assembly. If these words by Mr Odinga are anything to go by, then it means there is some hope for Kenyans who will feel relieved if the taxes are not increased.
President Ruto is in the Netherlands, as part of his two-day official visit there.
by: Political_hub