By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hailed Kenyans for the manner in which they have come out boldly to express their views on various issues.
Sifuna argues that Kenyans response to some of the issues, including their contribution to the ongoing debate over the 2024 Finance Bill shows there’s a civic awareness in the country.
He also singled out content creators for taking taking up their space.
A number of content creators have expressed concerns over proposals in the Finance Bill while also calling out politicians.
They have since presented their memoranda to the National Assembly, detailing areas they will might have a negative impact on content creation.
“The civic awakening in Kenya is something to behold. I like that citizens are taking up public spaces to express themselves on key matters,” the ODM Secretary General said in a post on his X handle.
“Content creators, comedians, everyone is taking up space hitherto hogged by politicos like me and doing a great job at it! You are calling your MPs finally! Im happy wakenya wenzangu,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Orange party SG has revealed that their members have clear instructions to reject the Finance Bill 2024.
The National Assembly Finance Committee recently concluded public participation forum for the bill that contains a number of controversial tax proposals.
“And before you ask, the standing instruction to ODM Party MPs is to #RejectFinanceBill2024 in toto,” Edwin Sifuna said.
Some of the proposals that have elicited strong debate is plan to introduce an annual motor vehicle tax and increase of data and airtime levies.
Molo MP Kuria Kimani who chairs the Finance Committee on Tuesday said they will submit their final report on Tuesday, after which MPs will start debating it.
“Thank you great Kenyans for your views. We have retreated to do our report. See you on Tuesday. I have tried to respond do your calls and SMS as much as I could but unfortunately I have a duty according the law to compile a report – considering your views – by next Tuesday. It will be a 1,000 plus pages report. Back to work. Ciao!,” the MP.