Martha Karua, the leader of the Narc-Kenya party, has once again criticized the controversial Finance Bill 2023, calling for its suspension. Speaking at a funeral service in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, Karua expressed her concerns about the proposed bill and urged Kenyans to speak up when oppressed.
Karua argued that the recommendations put forth in the bill by the Kenya Kwanza administration were oppressive and flawed.
She claimed that the bill specifically targeted the common mwananchi (citizen), ignoring the numerous challenges they face, while favoring the affluent members of society.
According to Karua, this discriminatory approach would burden the ordinary citizens with taxes while allowing wealthy individuals with helicopters to evade tax payments for their planes and spare parts.
During her speech, Karua emphasized the importance of speaking up against oppression. She asserted that if individuals failed to voice their concerns, those responsible for their difficulties would remain unaware of the impact of their actions.
Karua strongly criticized the Finance Bill, stating that it would exacerbate the financial hardships faced by the average Kenyan, who earns around Ksh.1,400 a day.
Karua advocated for transparency and equality in the bill, asserting that while taxes were necessary for a functioning government, flaws within the proposed legislation needed to be addressed.
She called for experts to analyze and point out the shortcomings of the bill, and promised to hold sessions to educate the public about its implications.
Despite Karua’s objections, other leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza government expressed their support for the Finance Bill at the same event.
Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua reiterated their backing for the bill, asserting that it would contribute to the revival of the country’s economy.
They emphasized that once the plans of President William Ruto’s administration were implemented, the bill would serve as a crucial tool in achieving economic recovery.
The contrasting opinions expressed by Martha Karua and the government-aligned leaders highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the Finance Bill 2023. While Karua criticized the bill as faulty and discriminatory, proponents of the legislation believe it to be a necessary step toward economic rejuvenation.
As the discourse continues, it remains to be seen how the Finance Bill 2023 will evolve and whether the concerns raised by Karua and other critics will be addressed.
The bill’s impact on different segments of society and its ability to foster sustainable economic growth will undoubtedly be subjects of further discussion and analysis.
