Ruto Rejects Finance Bill, Demands Parliamentary Review

President William Ruto has declined to sign the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
This decision comes in the wake of widespread public protests and growing concern over proposed tax changes that many citizens viewed as punitive and detrimental to their economic well-being. The Finance Bill has been at the centre of heated debates since its introduction. Initially, the bill proposed several contentious tax reforms that drew sharp criticism from various sectors of society. Among the most controversial proposals were a 16% VAT on bread, excise duty on vegetable oil, VAT on sugar transportation, a 2.5% motor vehicle tax, and an eco levy on locally manufactured products.
These measures were met with immediate backlash from citizens who argued that such taxes would disproportionately affect low-income households and exacerbate the already challenging economic conditions faced by many Kenyans. In response to the proposed changes, youth-led demonstrations erupted across major cities with protesters taking to the streets to voice their concerns. Many demonstrators call for constitutional reforms and greater transparency in the legislative process, arguing that the current system fails to adequately represent the interests of the majority of Kenyans.
A group of concerned citizens including prominent lawyers and the Mt Kenya Jurist Association has filed a petition in court seeking to halt the bill's enactment. They argue that the legislative process was flawed and marred by political contests, rendering the bill illegitimate. This legal challenge highlights the growing trend of citizens using the judicial system to challenge government actions perceived as unconstitutional or harmful to the public interest. Responding to the mounting pressure, President Ruto proposed significant amendments to the Finance Bill. Most notably, he recommended the removal of the 16% VAT on bread and sugar transportation, as well as the exclusion of excise duty on vegetable oil.
These changes were seen as a direct response to the public outcry and an attempt to address the most pressing concerns raised by citizens and civil society organizations. The President's decision to return the bill to Parliament has opened up new possibilities for further debate and refinement of the proposed fiscal policies. With Parliament set to go on recess until July 23, there is now a window of opportunity for lawmakers to engage in more comprehensive discussions about the bill's contents and its potential impact on the Kenyan economy.
The committee of the whole house will play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the bill. This process is expected to involve intense negotiations and potentially further amendments as MPs strive to balance the government's revenue needs with the concerns of their constituents.
Comments
Ndugu yetu Samoei Cherop…
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Ndugu yetu Samoei Cherop Ruto amevunja katiba mpya ya Kenya. Yafaa atimuliwe kazini mara moja kwa manufaa ya umma. Ni muhimu watu wote waliochaguliwa kupita mtihani wa Katiba Mpya ya Kenya. Kutokana na vitendo vya ajabu vya Ndugu yetu, inaonekana dhahiri ya kwamba, yeye pamoja na wafuasi wake wengi, hawajasoma Katiba Mpya ya Kenya.
https://youtu.be/ORmD901VsCg?si=9p3dlDWPLp-4j0G9
Ruto could be Feigning …
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In reply to Ndugu yetu Samoei Cherop… by Imara Daima (not verified)
Ruto could be Feigning "Rejection" of the Bill. It be Could be a Placebo (to Those who Believe him).
You only rejected the bill…
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You only rejected the bill because you have realized the hustlers that got you to the presidency now want you out.Well if they succeed it will be a first considering this so called generation Z is not aligned to any political party.As for the greedy Mpigs who voted for this bill first list their names and then hold some form of town hall or petition to fire them all.Lets go generation Z at least you are doing something about it kusema na kutenda masaa ya kupayuka payuka kama mbwa imepita.Hustlers show your power✊🏿.
I categorically support the…
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In reply to You only rejected the bill… by Guest (not verified)
I categorically support the idea for Gen Z to succussed their should never align themself with any political party but just remain an active movement to streamline corruption in Kenya. We have already noticed many of the opposition from Azimio coalition party were bought into joining Kenya kwanza party hence the slide land voting in parliament nowadays.
@Mbwana,If by' aligning',…
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In reply to I categorically support the… by Mbwana (not verified)
@Mbwana,If by' aligning', you mean to pledge allegiance to one party, then I agree with you.Heck! one has to vote for acandidate who belongs to aparty unfortunately.I highly doubt if an independent candidate has all the' machinery' to pull a presidency in Kenya,though its possible.May be Gen.Z will pull one surprise...
Anyway, what voters should do is vote for candidates that share their aspirations, ideology,vision,and above all a person of integrity,honor and love for the country.
The problem we have is that,come election time,they sweet talk,and seduce us into voting for them, then they forget us till next election time when they come back,with unfulfilled promises and,no accountability at all;and hope to be voted back in.My hope is that this old trick will not work from now henceforth.Vote for the right candidate.A person of honor,integrity,and good ethical morals.See what we got for voting for a candidate lacking these attributes?
He's a liar.
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He's a liar.
U.D.A. kirefu chake ni:…
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U.D.A. kirefu chake ni:
United
Devils
Association
You nailed it.😁
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In reply to U.D.A. kirefu chake ni:… by Imara Daima (not verified)
You nailed it.😁
Zakayo ameingia baridi na…
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Zakayo ameingia baridi na kusalimu amri kutoka nguvu ya umma.
Kenyans, we saw these…
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Kenyans, we saw these problems coming. All these borrowing from China,World bank,and the IMF have started choking the country.Yes the loan have to be paid.And where does revenue largely come from?= Taxes.I wish we were known on the world market as producers and not consumers...
Those who follow my posts may recall that I posed the question 'how did we get here'?. Ruto has always blamed the past regime for which he was part.Go figure.
Ruto has conceded and promised not to sign the tax bill.But the problem remains.So how are we going to pay our debts? There are two ways to get funds. Increase revenue,or reduce expenses. So the only option left folks is to cut costs.I dont know what Ruto is planning but for years, wananchi have pointed out that the government is bloated,and it just kept expanding. We have too many counties, too many Mpigs,and so forth.All these expensive retirement packages for retired government officials have to be adjusted. Uhuru is retired,and there is a plan to build him state of the art offices.Does he need that. Mpigs after constructing their expensive offices,now claim that these offices are too small... all these at the expense of tax payers.
Well can we have enough money in the country if we stop the wastage. Let us seal the loop holes of corruption,and prioritize out projects. No need to erect all these fancy buildings when according to international world bank,one out of six Kenyans live below the international poverty line.Feed them first.
Let's start cutting expenses by slashing Mpigs salaries and benefits by 40%.Trust me they will not even fee it.My two cents
Kenyans, we saw these…
Permalink
Kenyans, we saw these problems coming. All these borrowing from China,World bank,and the IMF have started choking the country.Yes the loan have to be paid.And where does revenue largely come from?= Taxes.I wish we were known on the world market as producers and not consumers...
Those who follow my posts may recall that I posed the question 'how did we get here'?. Ruto has always blamed the past regime for which he was part.Go figure.
Ruto has conceded and promised not to sign the tax bill.But the problem remains.So how are we going to pay our debts? There are two ways to get funds. Increase revenue,or reduce expenses. So the only option left folks is to cut costs.I dont know what Ruto is planning but for years, wananchi have pointed out that the government is bloated,and it just kept expanding. We have too many counties, too many Mpigs,and so forth.All these expensive retirement packages for retired government officials have to be adjusted. Uhuru is retired,and there is a plan to build him state of the art offices.Does he need that. Mpigs after constructing their expensive offices,now claim that these offices are too small... all these at the expense of tax payers.
Well we can have enough money in the country if we stop the wastage. Let us seal the loop holes of corruption,and prioritize out projects. No need to erect all these fancy buildings when according to international world bank,one out of six Kenyans live below the international poverty line.Feed them first.
Let's start cutting expenses by slashing Mpigs salaries and benefits by 40%.Trust me they will not even fee it.My two cents
Them damn people have to pay…
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Them damn people have to pay them damn taxes to pay them damn debts from China secured by Mlevi Wanjohi and most of it stolen by him and his fellow thieves or auction off the country to communist China!!! It’s damn simple!!! Time to pay 💰 has arrived damn people!!
The Kenya government and it…
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The Kenya government and it's politicians are the greatest enemy of the country. They have evolved to become parasites and are literary sucking and bleeding the country to death. The people are on their own, government provides almost zero services and the police force is feared more than the criminals. Yet it keeps demanding higher and higher taxes from the people, the victims. Many people feel they would be better off living in a country without a government, better than having a predatory set up masquerading as a government.
You can’t ask for dialogue,…
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You can’t ask for dialogue, after you’ve sent your police squad and plainclothes goons to terrorize the citizenry!
He’s using the same tactics of the Moi regime!
I know some of you are too young to know Moi.
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