Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has called out President William Ruto over the recent tax proposal on bread among others.
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the lawmaker decried that the proposed tax on the precious commodity is inconsiderate and uncalled for, he added that imposing the taxation which existed 30 years ago will be a complete disaster to Kenyans.
The legislator further criticized the president’s policies saying he was steering it towards the wrong direction and that he was intentionally messing up the country.
“The government is being unreasonable on the issues of the taxes, imposing 16 per cent tax on bread is a tax that was imposed 30 years ago, bringing this back is a complete disaster to Kenyans. If a Kenyan citizen cannot afford a simple thing as bread, then we are headed completely in the wrong direction and I can say that President Ruto is messing this country intentionally. It will reach a point where people will be tired. You cannot increase tax on bread, also, the 2.5 per cent tax on the motor vehicle is completely wong and uncalled for,” Babu said.
The latest comes days after the National Treasury proposed the introduction of VAT on bread, and increased excise taxes on M-Pesa, airtime and bank transfers among others.
The move stirred controversy with quarters criticizing the government for burdening its citizens with taxes, even as they struggled to bear with the economic times.
Led by the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition principles, the opposition asked Ruto to honour his promises as stated in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto. The opposition leaders additionally underscored that they will not sit and watch as Kenyans are overburdened with taxes when the government promised to lower the cost of living.
“Even the price of bread is going up. If you deny Kenyans bread, what are you doing? We’re giving you an early warning. It is not a threat I don’t believe in threats. I believe in reasoning with the people. Pray for the opposition team in this country. We will continue criticising the government because this is our calling for now so that we can live peaceful lives. Otherwise, we will suffer,” Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said on Monday, May 13, 2024.
Before you go…how about joining our vibrant Telegram and WhatsApp channels for hotter stories?
Telegram: https://t.me/k24tvdigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKQnFUIXnljs50pC32O
