By Eddah Waithaka
On 18th June 2024, Kenyans rallied in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which seeks to impose heavy taxes on essential goods.
“This measure, if passed, has the potential to deepen the economic struggles faced by millions of people across the country, particularly in the North Eastern region where community networks are being strengthened to resist the impact of these proposed changes,”said the Jubilee Party statement.
The proposed Finance Bill has sparked outrage among citizens already struggling with rising living costs and stagnant wages. As many feel that the government is out of touch with the daily realities faced by the majority of the population, and fear that this move will only serve to exacerbate existing economic inequalities in the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Jubilee Party Secretary General Honorable Jeremiah Kioni noted that, this government seems determined to take away our ability to live with dignity. Taxing basic necessities is not only heartless, it shows a blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.
“The Finance Bill of 2024 has ignited widespread outrage and condemnation across all sectors of Kenyan society. Critics argue that while citizens are forced to tighten their belts, the same cannot be said for government officials who continue to evade accountability for misappropriated funds,” said Kioni.
Also Read:https://switchmedianews.wordpress.com/2024/06/15/opposition-coalition-gears-up-to-challenge-finance-bill-2024-amid-budget-concerns/
“We refuse to accept this gross injustice any longer and our patience has worn thin with an administration that prioritizes budgeted corruption over the welfare of its own people,” he continued.
In response to this perceived betrayal of public trust, calls for action have grown louder. If the 2024 Finance Bill is passed into law. Kenyan citizens have vowed to mobilise en masse, with plans to occupy parliamentary precincts and other government buildings, including State House itself.
“We are the voice of Kenya. Enough is enough. If our elected representatives will not listen to reason, they will feel our resolve. As the nation stands on the precipice of potential unrest, it is clear that the will of the people cannot be ignored. Kenyans from all walks of life, united in solidarity, demand immediate reconsideration of the Finance Bill of 2024 and a renewed commitment from the government to prioritize the well- being of its citizens above all else,” said the Jubilee Party’s Secretary General.
Also, the party is aware that there have been some proposals for amendments to the constitution, but they will do nothing to alleviate the suffering of Kenyans.
The SG further noted that judging by their past dishonest actions, the 2023 Finance Bill did not help Kenyans in any way. It was only meant to help the president buy belts and shoes.
The Jubilee Party also argued that the bread proposals were just bait, and the car tax was to be dropped.
“They should have dropped the proposal of turning all freehold land to leasehold so as to collect taxes from the citizens if they meant well. Kenyans call for the review of the whole bill in totality.”
