Junet Mohamed: only one Finance Bill exists, ignore fake versions

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. [File, Standard]

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed on Wednesday told Parliament that the Finance Bill shared online in recent months is not the official document.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Mohamed said the real Finance Bill was tabled this week and called on Kenyans to ignore earlier versions.

"There has been a Finance Bill circulating and people discussing in public forums claiming that, oh, there is this taxation, there is that taxation," said Mohamed, adding, "We want to urge Kenyans that the real Finance Bill is with us now."

He warned against misrepresenting the contents of the bill and directly addressed unnamed lawmakers who he said had misled the public.

"The people I am talking to are exactly facing my eyes," said Mohamed.

"Let us not import things into the Finance Bill that do not exist," he added.

The Treasury tabled the Finance Bill 2025 in Parliament on Wednesday, April 30, following Cabinet approval.

A Cabinet brief released Tuesday said the draft targets tax compliance and closing gaps in revenue collection.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed receipt of the bill and directed it to the relevant committees.

"Pursuant to Standing Order 235, the estimates now stand committed to respective departmental committees and the Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration," said Wetangula.

He urged members to read the estimates and ensure they reflect the views of their electorate.

The committees will now start public participation sessions to collect views from the public, civil society and businesses.