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{
    "id": 1441779,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1441779/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 525,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Luanda, DAP-K",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Dick Oyugi",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The Finance Bill is the equivalent of a glass of water that has been poisoned with a drop of poison, making it wholly unsuitable for human consumption. To a great extent, it has serious proposals that are offensive and harassing many people who depend on this country's economy. Hon. Speaker, there is talk about having climbed down on some of the proposals, for example, on what is basic that most of us eat. Most Kenyans in the common household consume bread. Therefore, proposing an increase in the same element of food becomes a disastrous idea to the very Kenyans that we purport to represent. You will agree with me that the Finance Bill, 2023 had a projection of collecting close to over US$200 billion, but as it is, it was only able to realise close to 57 per cent of its initial target. The Finance Bill 2024 is poised to bring in close to US$302 billion, but from last year’s experience, it may be quite a big target to achieve. A question, therefore, is why could the Government of the day not decide to postpone any new increment of taxes for the time being, to ensure that they are able to put in place steps to help them realise the shortfall they had last year. Yesterday, we saw what has never happened in this country, where a young generation, people in their early 20s, came out to speak for themselves. They felt and believed that this House could not stand in the gap for them. It is embarrassing to see our young people sacrificing themselves to go out in the streets because they have lost confidence, trust and have no hope in the institution of Parliament. Let it be known that should Kenyans suffer, the person to ask those hard questions is none other than Members who are seated here this evening, and who will pass this Bill which will add unnecessary burden and heavy weight to our people. Therefore, as Kenyans are watching this evening, I want every Kenyan to take charge and note what his Member of Parliament will be speaking this evening with regard to this Bill. A Member who goes on to support this Bill desires that his people should not have life tomorrow. A Member who goes on to support this draconian Bill, does not think good for his people. I want to urge this great House that, as we are standing today, let us say no to this Bill so that we may have an opportunity to give hope to our people. As it has been pointed out, there is a proposal to bring down motor vehicle circulation tax. However, in the same Report, there is a new clause that proposes to increase fuel by a whooping Ksh7. I want somebody to tell me: How on earth can we therefore go on burdening mama mboga and hustler with an extra shilling at the pump? This will be finishing and shrinking our people and, if anything, trying to freeze or shrink the disposable income which is within their pockets. I, therefore, stand to oppose. Thank you."
}