Kenya Kwanza and Azimio politicians from Western have closed ranks to condemn the Finance Bill as a burden on Kenyans.
Critics say proposed changes would affect income tax, value added tax and various fees and penalties as well as compliance requirements.
Speaking in Bumula constituency on Saturday during a funeral, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa asked MPs to reject it.
Wamalwa asked leaders from Western to work jointly for the betterment of the region, noting that politics is not enmity but just competition.
“Even if we hail from different political affiliations, let's work together for the good of our people,” he said.
The DAP-K party leaders said if the Finance Bill will be passed by the it won’t affect the opposition alone but all people.
“If this bill is passed it won’t affect either Raila or Uhuru Kenyatta. Therefore our MPs, please when you go to the National Assembly try to think about the economy of the country and the welfare,” Wamalwa said.
The DAP-K boss called on Azimio MPs to be on the forefront and offer firm oversight to the Kenya Kwanza government.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka (DAP-K) criticised the Kenya Kwanza government for the Finance Bill.
“I don’t know what has changed with this Finance Bill. President Ruto was the one who rejected it. I don't know what has changed. He now wants it passed by the MP’s,” he said.
Wamboka affirmed that he will rally all the Azimio la Umoja MPs to ensure that the bill doesn’t see the light of day, adding that it needs men of content and substance to oppose the proposed bill.
The MP asked President William Ruto to fulfill his promises and make sure Nzoia Sugar Company gets a new mill as pledged during campaigns.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa disagreed with former CS Wamalwa, accusing him for failing to develop the region when he was a Cabinet Secretary.
Barasa said when people are given opportunities to serve in government they should use the chance to develop their regions first.
“Wamalwa should stop lecturing us on issues of governance, leadership and development. He had the chance to work but he failed,” he said, adding that there is no project in the region the former CS started.
Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli said that he fully supports President Ruto in other developments but disagrees on the Finance Bill, adding that teachers and police are the employees who go through a lot of challenges and they should not be taxed heavily.
“I have served as a teacher for some time and I know what teachers go through. I will oppose the issue of taxation,” Wakoli said.
