A group of Kenyans held counter-protests on Tuesday to persuade Members of Parliament to pass the Finance Bill 2024.
In videos seen by the media, the protesters marched along Lang'ata Road holding placards with messages such as "Pitisha Finance Bill" (Pass the Finance Bill).
The group criticized fellow Kenyans opposing the bill, suggesting that those participating in anti-finance bill demonstrations should cease their protests and return to work. Some placards supported MPs who voted for the bill, urging them to maintain their stance until it is signed into law by President William Ruto.
"Tunasimama na serikali, tuna support prezzo #Pitisha Finance Bill" (We stand with the government and support the President #Pass the Finance Bill) read one of the placards.
Similar protests were witnessed in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, where some residents expressed support for their MP, Kimani Ichung'wah, and his backing of the bill. The protesters argued that if enacted, the bill would create channels for more development financing, benefiting the majority of Kenyans.
Notably, the pro-finance bill protests occurred while a larger section of residents opposed the controversial bill, with some blocking the South Bypass and disrupting transport. These counter-protests are being held concurrently with other nationwide demonstrations rejecting the bill and calling for its withdrawal.
A section of MPs, led by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah and Molo MP Kuria Kimani, also support the bill. They emphasized that the bill offers more benefits to Kenyans compared to the negatives being shared by the opposition and protesters. However, the MPs reiterated that amendments would be made to reflect some of the changes proposed by Kenyans, who argue that the bill would only increase the cost of living.
Last week, the Finance Committees approved the removal of some proposed taxes, including the motor vehicle tax, eco levy on locally made goods, VAT on bread, excise duty on vegetable oil, and VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions, among other changes.
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