Mwangi Kiunjuri: Why I voted for Finance Bill

The Service Party of Kenya leader Mwangi Kiunjuri. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has said the Finance Act 2023 is the only sure way to save the country from development stagnation.

Speaking in Nanyuki town over the weekend, Mr Kiunjuri argued that there was no other avenue for government to raise money except through taxation after the borrowing spree went overboard, a situation that has put the country at in a precarious position with international partners.

"You know the country is choking on debt acquired by the previous regime. We want the current government to get hold of the situation and that is why we are supporting it by passing the Finance Act so that it can collect the money to serve Kenyans," he said.

The MP hit out at the opposition for criticising the Finance Act 2023 without proposing alternative ways of funding the government, terming the move hypocritical.

"When you oppose something, it is better you come up with an alternative. Our friends in the opposition opposed the Finance Bill 2023 without giving us a way out of the mess that they helped created during the handshake government, they are not genuine in their so-called speaking for Kenyans," said Kiunjuri.

He however asked the government to put its priorities right, to ensure that taxation matches development and improved standards of living for Kenyans.

"Kenyans are hurting from the taxes and therefore we need the government to be spendthrift and make sure that every coin of the taxes goes into making a difference in the lives of Kenyans, we hope that in a few years we will be back to the growing economy like in the times of the late forme president Mwai Kibaki," said Kiunjuri.

The Finance Bill was passed by Parliament and signed into law on Monday by President William Ruto, but the courts have since suspended implementation of the Bill.