Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi has made it clear that the Opposition will not support the Finance Bill 2024 if it retains what he termed as punitive taxes.
Wandayi noted that they were ready and waiting for the Bill next week saying they will oppose it in totality if the Finance Committee's report does not align with the demands of Kenyans and the party leader, Raila Odinga.
"If they come back to Parliament next week and have listened to the cries of Kenyans and the demands of Raila Odinga by removing the punitive taxes within the Bill, we shall talk. But if they come back with these punitive taxes still intact, we shall say a resounding no and vote no."
Speaking in Siaya on Tuesday, Wandayi called on members of the Kenya Kwanza government who have publicly opposed the finance Bill to show solidarity.
He said they should come out on voting day in Parliament to oppose the Bill should it still contain the punitive taxes.
"We want to appeal to our colleagues from the Kenya Kwanza government, those who have been speaking at funerals and claiming to oppose this finance Bill. The hour of reckoning is coming. We want to see you in broad daylight in Parliament voting with us."
The Minority leader was speaking when he presented Interim Driving Licences to 111 youths from Ugunja Constituency who were sponsored by Ugunja NG-CDF as part of our on-going Youth Empowerment programme.
He criticised the current administration saying the increase in taxes is due to hasty promises made by the president during his public appearances.
"The reason why he is adding taxes day and night is because of roadside declarations. Anywhere he stops, he makes promises of construction and other things that require money, hence the reason why the budget cannot balance."
Wandayi said unfulfilled promises and stalled projects are promised left, right and center without the requisite funding to see them through.
"That's the problem we have here. Even in this region, there were so many projects promised. In Bondo, the road heading to Luanda was launched by president but nothing happening on the ground. In Nyando, the Kabonyo Fish project has stalled until now. The Koru Soin Dam remains unfinished. There is no money."
The MP urged the government to live within its means rather than overburdening Kenyans with excessive taxes.
"Why do you continue to overburden Kenyans with taxes on account of projects that you continue to promise yet are unable to fund? Just live within your means," Wandayi said.