- Bishop Mechumo defended President William Ruto’s move of imposing heavy taxes on some items.
- Says it’s only through tax that the country’s economy can get back to its trajectory.
Image: TONY WAFULA
Image: TONY WAFULA
Some bishops from Bungoma county have urged the government to consider getting views from the church leaders on the Finance Bill, 2024.
On Wednesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula asked MPs especially from the opposition, to refrain from criticising the Bill in funerals and other public events, but instead help the public understand it better.
Wetang’ula spoke in Bungoma while attending a funeral service in Kabuchai.
The Speaker, however, called on the MPs to use the one -month recess to reflect on the Bill stating that it’s through the lawmakers that the National Assembly comes up with the budget.
“You are the people who come up with the budget proposals through your committees, please refrain from standing before the public and lamenting much about the Finance Bill yet you are the ones to come up with the budget proposals,” Wetang’ula said.
Addressing the media on Friday at Kabula pastoral centre during the National Council of Churches of Kenya conference, Bungoma Diocese Anglican Church of Kenya bishop George Mechumo asked the state to get views from the church.
“We are experiencing push and pull over the Finance Bill the only way to resolve this is to collect views from the church and the public then leave the rest to the Parliament,” the bishop said.
Additionally, bishop Mechumo defended President William Ruto’s move of imposing heavy taxes on some items saying it’s only through tax that the country’s economy can get back to its trajectory.
“We have come from a hard situation, things are going to be better, the President has no bad intention with Kenyans but to help grow the country’s economy,” Mechumo said.
Pastor Jenipher Mbatiany, Bungoma County deputy governor, applauded NCCK for organising a conference that brought together church leaders from the four Western counties to discuss issues affecting the region.
“This conference has given us a platform as church leaders to share issues affecting the community,” the DG said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has threatened to organise nationwide demonstrations against the proposed Finance Bill.
Kalonzo on Wednesday said Kenyans have the freedom to go to the streets and demonstrate.
He said the government should know that revolutions begin sometimes in the street and in quiet places.
He said the demonstrations held in 2023 were meant to push the government to lower the cost of living.
"As a coalition, we are ready to go back to the streets if that is what it takes. I hope you are bold enough. Be ready ladies and gentlemen," he said.