- Ichung’wah claimed that the media was not initially opposed to the Bill until revelations about betting tax increments were made.
- The leaders also exuded confidence that the 2023-24 Budget will turn around the economy.
Kenya Kwanza politicians have intensified their attacks on mainstream media, warning that it risks being irrelevant if it doesn't stop antagonising the ruling government.
They accused Kenyan media houses of bias and distorting facts regarding the government agenda especially the recently passed Finance Bill 2023.
The leaders spoke on Sunday at St Andrews ACK Cathedral Church in Thika, during a thanksgiving mass for East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Maina Karobia.
"You will be made irrelevant in the coming days if you continue lying to Kenyans. Stick to truth, objectivity and we will respect your rights and freedoms," Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah said.
Ichung’wah claimed that the media was not initially opposed to the Bill until revelations about betting tax increments were made.
In the Bill that has already been passed by parliamentarians, the government increased the tax on betting and gaming stakes from 7.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent from July 1.
Ichungwa divulged that digital content creators had their levies reduced to compete with the mainstream media and as such, the mainstream media should be worried about their future.
Similar sentiments were expressed by CAS nominees Dennis Itumbi, Isaac Mwaura and Senator Karungo Thangwa.
"You cannot write negative stories about the companies that advertise with you but the government which makes 70 percent of advertisements in the media is a beneficiary of all the negativity we see. We will be responding to you with facts," Itumbi said.
Ichung'wah claimed that 70 per cent of Azimio La Umoja coalition members voted for the controversial Finance Bill 2023 both directly and indirectly.
“84 per cent of MPs in Azimio have also given areas in their constituencies where they want the government to build houses. How can you fight something that you so dearly want,” the MP asked.
The leaders also exuded confidence that the 2023-24 Budget will turn around the economy.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro who doubles as the Parliamentary Budget Committee Chairman noted that through the Budget, industrialisation will be realised as the government plans to open up industrial parks in the 47 counties.
“There are already six industrial parks that have been allocated Sh500 million coming up. One will be shared between Murang’a and Kiambu counties and will be situated at the farm ceded by Del Monte Kenya Limited," Nyoro said.
"Others are in Kirinyaga, Busia, Eldoret and Nakuru. They will create jobs and significantly impact on our country’s economic growth and stability."
The MP also said that young people in the country will be the major beneficiaries of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s first budget noting that millions will secure jobs in the affordable housing programme.
“All taxes collected through the housing levy amounting to Sh70 billion will not be diverted to other areas. It will be spent on building affordable houses in all towns within the country. This way, our youths and even graduates will secure jobs and earn a decent living,” Nyoro said.
EALA MP Karobia asserted that more than 5 million youths in the country will get opportunities to generate an income, saying that the affordable housing projects will unshackle millions of youths from the chains of poverty.
“Our young people who are being misused by the opposition to plan demonstrations will have something to do. Most of them will get jobs in the housing projects and industries that will be opened,” Karobia said.
Juja MP George Koimburi said that the allocation of enough resources towards industrialisation will revive many industries in Thika town, which was once regarded as the industrial hub of Kenya.
Other leaders who were present include area MPs Alice Ng’ang’a(Thika), John Kiarie (Dagorreti), Kimani Kuria (Molo), George Koimburi (Juja), Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Kanini Kega (EALA), CASs Isaac Mwaura, Simon Gikuru, UDA secretary General Cleophas Malala among others.