In a united front, religious leaders across Kenya have voiced their strong opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024, aligning with the widespread citizen outcry against the bill. The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya has issued a statement rejecting the bill, highlighting its punitive tax measures and the disconnect between the government and the people.
The Finance Bill 2024, which aims to introduce new taxes to raise an additional KES 346 billion to the government’s revenue projections for the financial year 2024/2025, has sparked significant political momentum and public demonstrations, particularly led by the youth. The proposed taxes have been labeled as burdensome amidst an already high cost of living, exacerbating public dissatisfaction.
Despite the government’s claims that the bill is essential to meet the financial year’s estimated budget of KES 3.4 trillion, the Inter-Religious Council pointed out that the rejection of the bill would still leave the Kenya Revenue Authority with substantial revenue, albeit KES 346 billion less than projected.
In their statement, the religious leaders made several key points:
1. Concern Over Rising Political Temperatures: The Council expressed deep concern over the escalating political tensions and the apparent disconnect between the government and its citizens. The ongoing constitutionally guaranteed public demonstrations against the bill have seen excessive use of force by police, leading to the tragic deaths of two young Kenyans. The Council extended condolences to the families and called for a swift investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
2. Support for Peaceful Demonstrations: The Council commended the youth for their peaceful protests and affirmed their support for the movement against the Finance Bill 2024. They emphasized that this issue affects all Kenyans, with over 85 percent standing in solidarity with the youth.
3. Demand for Withdrawal of the Bill: The Council firmly rejected the Finance Bill 2024, demanding its complete withdrawal and the elimination of the proposed punitive taxes. They stressed that the burden on Kenyans should not be increased through additional taxes.
4. Call for Government Accountability: The leaders urged President William Ruto and his administration to recognize the heavy burden already carried by Kenyans due to the high cost of living. They called on the government to reconsider the introduction of new taxes and to engage in honest discussions with the public rather than resorting to scare tactics about government shutdowns.
The Inter-Religious Council’s statement is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the Finance Bill 2024, underscoring the widespread opposition and the need for the government to heed the concerns of its citizens. As the public demonstrations continue, the call for the bill’s withdrawal grows louder, demanding a responsive and empathetic approach from the nation’s leaders.