Nairobi, Kenya– The proposed 2024 Financial Bill in Kenya has sparked a wave of outrage from the opposition Azimio la Umoja coalition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Party. The coalition’s leaders have vehemently condemned the bill, asserting that it will exacerbate the country’s corruption and burden Kenyans.
Kalonzo Musyoka, former Vice President and current leader of the Wiper political party voiced strong objections, claiming that 1 trillion Kenyan Shillings (USD 7.7 billion) of the proposed financial budget would “finance corruption.”
“As concerned citizens, we want a blatant disregard of the 2024 Financial Bill,” said Musyoka while speaking at a press conference. “The rising digital activism among Kenyans as a clear indication of widespread discontent with the bill.”
Martha Karua, leader of the Narc Kenya party and a prominent figure in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, also echoed Musyoka’s sentiments.
“The Finance Bill 2024 will bring more pain to Kenyans if it sails through the National Assembly without amendments,” warned Karua.
She also emphasized that budgeting is about making the right choices that prioritize the welfare and safety of the people, not about funding the Executive.
Karua also said, ” Leaders must make choices that can lead to a much safer Kenya must be based on true reference and respect for the people,” she added.
Adding to the opposition’s proposals, Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement announced a ban on travel for their Members of Parliament during the debate on the 2024 Financial Bill. This move represents the coalition’s commitment to actively opposing the bill within parliamentary proceedings.
Accordingly, Jeremiah Kioni of the Jubilee Party also expressed his disdain, stating, “The budget seems to have been made by crooks.” His statement reflects the deep mistrust and frustration among opposition leaders regarding the integrity of the budgetary process and the Executive.
Whether the views of the Azimio la Umoja coalition will be used to debate the Financial Bill by Members of Parliament will only be told with time. Meanwhile, many Kenyans, continue to express concern among many Kenyans who fear the economic and social repercussions of the proposed budget.