- Omar emphasised that the bill also lays the groundwork for Universal Health Care, enabling Kenyans to access high-quality and affordable healthcare.
- He assures that the government is prepared to work with leaders from all political affiliations in matters of development.
Image: LABAN WALLOGA
EALA MP Hassan Omar has called upon ODM lawmakers in Mombasa to support the Finance Bill 2023.
He argued that the bill, proposed by President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government, aims to promote social justice and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
"I urge ODM MPs to join us in passing the bill because it will generate employment opportunities, particularly for our women and youth. The proposed 3 per cent housing fund aligns with our constitutional mandate to provide affordable housing as a fundamental right," Omar said.
He was speaking in Mombasa on Saturday afternoon during the launch of The Amplified Youth, a socio-economic empowerment organisation by the Mombasa county UDA party youth group.
Omar, who also serves as the UDA national vice chairperson emphasized that the bill also lays the groundwork for Universal Health Care, enabling Kenyans to access high-quality and affordable healthcare.
"We require social justice in our nation, enabling us to uplift those who are less fortunate before attending to the better-off," Omar said.
He urged President Ruto to remain focused on delivering his agenda to the people and not be swayed by those opposing the bill.
Omar called upon Mombasa ODM MPs to collaborate with the government and advocate for development projects.
He assures them that the government is prepared to work with leaders from all political affiliations in matters of development.
According to Omar, the time for political wrangling is over, and leaders must set aside their differences to work for the betterment of the people, emphasizing the need to compromise to achieve success.
"I have been engaging our MPs, urging them to work together. We are even willing to cooperate with Governor Abdulswamad Nassir for the sake of our people" he said.
"Mombasa has spent far too long in opposition. We also need to have a stake in the government."
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi criticised the opposition for their inconsistent stance on the Finance Bill, particularly in the debate surrounding the housing levy.
"The opposition cannot vehemently oppose the bill and then complain about the poor living conditions of the police when they come to Parliament. The housing levy will enable us to construct affordable homes," Miraj argued.
Miraj called on the opposition to respect the president's mandate and allow him time to fulfill the promises made to the Kenyan people during the election campaign.
She further encouraged Kenyans to support the government, noting that those who oppose the housing levy have not presented any viable alternatives.
"Stop inciting the youth against the government. Your claims of looting the funds are baseless, as this government is committed to ending corruption," Miraj said.
Miraj also urged her colleagues from Mombasa to declare their position on the Finance Bill, cautioning them against making threats to vote against it.
"Cease making threats to block the bill; we have sufficient numbers in Parliament to pass it," she said.
She reiterated that not a single cent will be misappropriated.