Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has said a member of parliament allied to Kenya Kwanza offered to fund his petition against the Finance Bill 2023.
The Senator filed a case seeking to have the bill dropped. He argued that some sections of the proposed Finance Bill threaten the right to property, and access to justice, as well as violating the constitution in general.
However, the bill has attracted criticisms and opposition from Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition-allied lawmakers.
Senator Omtatah while speaking during an interview with NTV on Monday, June 5 stated that some legislators from Ruto’s faction are in opposition to the bill.
“It is not Azimio alone. Many Kenya Kwanza MPs whom I cannot name have approached me (to say they do not support the bill). One is a frontline legislator in Kenya Kwanza who has even given me Ksh.10,000 as support for all the photocopying I did because I am saving them,” the senator stated.
He further argued that support for the Finance Bill, 2023 is not about political allegiance but adherence to the constitution
“I am not a member of Azimio, but I agree with the stance Azimio has taken. If Kenya Kwanza takes a stance I agree with, I will also support them. It is all about constitutionalism and I am happy to have Azimio’s backing on this issue,” he added.
The Busia Senator’s remarks come following President Ruto’s comments on Sunday that he is waiting to see any MP who will oppose the bill in parliament.
According to Omtatah, the head of state sounded what seemed like a warning because he knows all too well that not everyone in this camp supports him on his proposed tax regime.
“His tough words show you that he is aware his house is not together, and that is why he has resorted to threats.” Said the Senator.
Furthermore, Omtatah has accused the Parliament majority of being compromised by the Executive in his petition.
As such, he wants the court to issue orders suspending the debate and prohibit the Speaker of the National Assembly from transmitting the Finance Bill 2023 to President Ruto.
In addition, the Senator says his petition raises substantial issues of law and the file should be forwarded to the Chief Justice to appoint a bench of judges to hear and determine the matter.
According to the Senator, imposing the 3 percent housing levy on Kenyans will amount to a gross violation of national values.
