Former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has urged legislators to disregard party affiliations and unite in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 for the sake of Kenyans’ welfare.
Speaking on Sunday at Masjid Kulthum, Joho joined other politicians in opposing the contentious bill, claiming that if it is passed, Kenya’s economy will collapse.
He accused President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration of penalising taxpayers.
“What you’re doing is to make our people poorer every day. Do you want them to remain poor as you rule over them every day?” posed the former governor.
Joho claimed that the bill, which seeks to increase taxes in order for the government to raise more revenue, does not take ordinary Kenyans’ well-being into consideration.
“This is not a matter of whether you are a member of ODM or UDA. It calls for people to get out of their parties and listen to the voices of the people. Go to Parliament and debate on behalf of the people,” said Joho.
“As ODM, we will vehemently oppose it, but we do not have the numbers needed to turn it down; we need more support.”