Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Sunday, May 4, moved away from the hardline stance of his party leader, Raila Odinga, over the future of the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
Kalonzo, who spoke during a church service at AIC Kasina in Mlolongo, Machakos County, supported President William Ruto's controversial project but beseeched Kenya Kwanza leaders to accommodate divergent voices.
“By Friday, June 30, Kenya needs to have funds for the 2023/2024 financial year so that the government can carry out its functions,” he explained on the importance of the Finance Bill.
He, nonetheless, warned leaders in Kenya Kwanza against intimidating politicians opposing the Bill and called for it to be tweaked to reflect the people's will.
“We believe that the Finance Bill has a huge impact on Kenyans, so it is okay for people to give opposing views.
“People should not be branded as sell-outs for going to court to seek a determination on the proposals made on the Finance Bill,” he stated.
Kalonzo, in particular, defended Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who filed a lawsuit on Friday, June 2, challenging the legality of Finance Bill, 2023.
“Omtatah is within his rights to go to court to oppose the increased taxation because the judgement about the Finance Bill should come from Kenyans,” the Wiper Party leader defended the first-term legislator.
"I also cannot believe it. On this matter, I only trust the sound judgement of Kenyans," he added.
His statement was contrary to that of opposition leader, Raila Odinga, on Tuesday, May 30, which stated that Azimio was rejecting the Finance Bill in totality.
“We have refused to sit back and watch Kenyans being harassed to fix the cash crunch caused by economic mismanagement, wasteful spending, corruption and skewed and incompetent hiring into critical public positions.
“We reject this backward march. We reject the Finance Bill in total,” the statement from Raila’s Azimio stated in part.
Raila Odinga gave Ruto up to Monday, June 5, to withdraw the Bill or face the wrath of Kenyans led by the opposition.
“Enough is enough. We shall blow the trumpet and tell you what to do,” Raila told his supporters while issuing the ultimatum.
On Sunday, June 4, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylavnus Osoro, however, underlined that the August House would pass the Bill despite opposition from Azimio.
“The government does not lose and so I want to assure the President that we will pass the Bill once it is brought to the floor of the house,” he vowed.
Osoro was supported by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who added, “Kenyans want development from the President and that can only be realised if the Bill is passed.”
