Lawyer Miguna Miguna has asked President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government to withdraw the Finance Bill 2023 and suspend the Housing Levy.
His call comes in the wake of massive criticism a section of Kenyans have laid bare on the Bill which some have termed ill-timed owing to the prevailing economic situation.
In an unsolicited advice he shared on his social media handles on Monday, Miguna boldly told the current regime, which he openly supported, that Kenyans have pronounced themselves clear on the matters.
The firebrand lawyer told President Ruto to get back to the drawing board and evaluate a better course of action rather than forcing the Bill down the throat of Kenyans.
"Pull back. Listen to Kenyans. Withdraw the Finance Bill 2023. Postpone the implementation of the Housing Levy. Return to the Drawing Board," Miguna said.
His advice comes barely a week after ODM leader Raila Odinga warned Ruto of facing unprecedented revolt in the event he forces the Bill on Kenyans.
The Azimio chief raised concerns over Ruto's tax plan saying it is not only "punitive" but also ill-timed considering that many Kenyans are already feeling the pinch of inflation.
"Kenya Kwanza have two options: face and listen to Kenyans, or ignore them and face a battle Kenyans never seen before in this country," Raila said in a statement Friday, May 27.
In a rejoinder to the criticisms, Ruto has remained hellbent on rooting for the Bill saying it will provide finances that will enable him to revolutionise the economy.
But according to Miguna, Ruto's hardline stance will do him no good in addressing the crisis at hand.
"Don’t be defensive. Don’t argue with the people."
The Peeling Back the Mask author, who hardly minces his words, also asked Ruto to initiate a complete overhaul of his team of advisors.
The lawyer says the President need a team that will speak truth to the power and influence strategic policies pegged on the interests of Kenyans.
Miguna also fingered Ruto's communication team ostensibly blaming it for not saving the face of the president in the wake of the sustained onslaught over the Finance Bill 2023.
"Hire new, independent and truthful advisors. Reshuffle your communications team and hire two or three fresh faces. Don’t rely on yes men and yes women," he added.
