Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei now says that the government will be paralysed should the Finance Bill, 2023 fail to pass in Parliament.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 17 in an interview with Spice FM, Cherargei said that passing the bill as law will enable the government to get resources to run it.
"The country is facing an economic crisis. We need the taxes so that we can provide services to Kenyans. If we do not pass the Bill as it is, we will not be able to do anything in the next four years," he said.
According to the legislator, the government is seeking new areas of taxation which will favour the common mwananchi.
"We are not overburdening Kenyans and the government has not introduced any new tax. What is happening is that we are no longer using the old way of taxation. As a matter of fact, we are taxing the rich more so that they can provide for the poor. If Kenyans agree to pay their taxes faithfully, then it becomes easier to hold the President accountable," he said.
Last week, the Nandi Senator stated that Parliament will not make any changes to the Bill and it will be passed as is.
Currently, the bill is undergoing a public participation process and Kenyans have until May 20 to submit their views.
On Tuesday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga said he would mobilise Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill, 2023 if Kenya Kwanza MPs pass it into law.
"We make it clear that if this Bill is railroaded through Parliament, we will have no option but to mobilise citizens around the country to fight for themselves. We will mobilise all the social sectors and take all the necessary political actions to stop this blow and burden," Odinga said.
