• The government, however, has faced criticism from the opposition as well as the public over the high cost of living.
• Raila has on various occasions told President Ruto that the cost of living needed to be relooked.
Image: Handout
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has said that the controversial Housing bill has not gone through thorough public participation.
He said the bill would have been given more time for legislators to get the views of Kenyans, who will be affected if the law sails through.
"I can assure you the Housing bill has not gone through proper public participation, it's more of a dictatorship," Maanzo said on Monday in an interview.
The wiper Senator said when the government is formed, it is supposed to take care of its people and not use force to pass laws without involving the voice of Kenyans.
Despite the ongoing public hearing of the proposed Finance Bill, 2023 Maanzo said that the committee ought to have visited all counties and to get as many ideas as possible.
"Currently there is a lot of Jagon on the issue. During proper public participation on such a critical matter, you even need a team of experts to make Kenyans understand," he said.
The proposed Finance Bill,2023 proposes a mandatory deduction of three per cent of salary to housing fund and raises taxes from the current 30 per cent to 35 per cent on those earning Sh500,000 and above.
It also proposes an increase of VAT on fuel products from eight per cent to 16 per cent.
The government, however, has faced criticism from the opposition as well as the public over the high cost of living.
Opposition chief Raila Odinga has on various occasions told President Ruto that the cost of living needed to be relooked at because, at the moment, people are suffering.
He said Kenyans cannot be taxed to the bone just because of Kenya Kwanza’s internal weaknesses.
In addition, Raila has asked President Ruto to institute far-reaching reforms in his administration to tackle the high cost of living.
Last week, the government's move to issue a clarification on the controversial affordable housing project, to which it will be mandatory for salaried citizens to contribute, received a backlash from some Kenyans who want the agenda dropped.