By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Controversial political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi now claims contentious clauses in the Finance Bill 2024 have already been amended.
The National Parliament Finance Committee is expected to present its report on the Bill on Tuesday.
But before it is presented, Ngunyi argues that President William Ruto has already listened to Kenyans cries and amended the controversial tax proposals.
Among the proposals the analysts claims will not be in the final draft of the Bill is motor vehicle tax, eco levy and tax exemption on bread and milk.
“Did you know that the REVISED Finance Bill has REMOVED tax on CARS, BREAD, Edible oils and the Eco Levy? Ruto Listens,” Mutahi Ngunyi said in part of his post.
Motor vehicle tax is among the proposals that has been rejected by many players.
The tax seeks to ensure all motor vehicle owners pay an annual tax of 2.5 percent of their vehicles value – which would translate to a minimum of Ksh5,000 and not exceeding Ksh100,000.
On the other hand, content creators had protested against eco levy tax that would see the cost of broadcasting equipment for radio and TV increased.
In addition, Treasury had proposed a removal of bread from zero-rated products which experts warned would lead to an increase of bread products by at least Ksh10.
Meanwhile, Mutahi Ngunyi noted that there is nothing wrong with the Bill – and that those demonizing it are only activists pushing for their own agenda.
“QUESTION: What is WRONG with the Finance Bill 2024? ANSWER: It is BAD because it is not GOOD. But who told you this? Some activists with the brains of an OX,” he said.
Some of the activists led by Boniface Mwangi have announced plan to ‘occupy parliament’ as part of their rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.
The protests are set for Tuesday, the day Molo MP Kuria Kimani-led committee will table their report on the bill.