Azimio leader Raila Odinga has weighed in on the ongoing debate about the Housing Fund tax proposed by President William Ruto.
Raila said the idea is good but some Kenyans already have houses and should not be subjected to Housing Fund tax.
"We must agree that when you tax people to build houses, first ask them to know if they are willing to get taxed and why should you tax someone who has a house?" Raila said.
The ODM leader was speaking in Kiharu in Murang'a County during the burial service of Governor Mwangi wa Iria's mother-in-law, Mary Nyambura.
"The government must tax to provide services but too much taxing is a burden to Kenyans. That is why we are opposing the taxes being imposed to Kenyans," Raila added.
President William Ruto has announced that civil servants will start contributing three per cent of their monthly income to a Housing Fund.
He said this was part of a plan the State will soon introduce.
Ruto said the contribution will help civil servants purchase houses built under the Affordable Housing project.
"To enable many Kenyans to buy houses under the affordable housing project, we have a housing fund to which we want every Kenyan to contribute three per cent of their income. If you earn Sh10,000, three per cent is Sh300 every month goes towards the fund," Ruto said.
However, his proposal came under sharp criticism as Kenyans decried of high tax burden.
Ruto on Thursday clarified that the three per cent contributed from one's income toward the housing fund is not tax.
The President said the money deducted belongs to the people of Kenya.
"The shillings contributed will become, thousand and millions and will be used to construct affordable housing across the country," he said.
The head of state also said that the government has waived tax on all equipment and commodities that will be used in affordable housing.
"All the products including windows, doors, and hinges have been standardised to be produced in masses," he said.
