Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, on Wednesday, June 28, countered Azimio la Umoja’s call to boycott taxes by pressuring the Treasury to reconsider the pension payment plan for the coalition’s principals.
In a statement, Khalwale questioned Azimio’s quest to oppose the payment of taxes from which they gain their annual pension.
While breaking it down, he indicated that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to receive Ksh440 million, Ksh74.16 million for Azimio leader Raila Odinga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka will get Ksh70.21 million.
He added that the ripple effect caused by Raila’s call for the boycott of tax remissions will lead to Treasury either reducing or refraining from paying the pensions to the Azimio principals.
“Azimio leaders are opposed to payment of taxes. These are the millions they’ll receive as pension out of those taxes that will be collected this year,” he stated while listing the big beneficiaries.
Perks
The approved budget plan for the financial year 2023/24 showed that Uhuru is scheduled to get Ksh440 million benefits as well as house, fuel and entertainment allowances.
This is inclusive of Ksh176 million catered to Uhuru’s local and foreign travel. The budget for purchasing furniture accumulates Ksh55 million.
A total of Ksh25 million will be chanelled to fuel costs for Uhuru’s fleet of vehicles while an average of Ksh18.8 million will be used to maintain the stipulated vehicles.
Kalonzo, on the other hand, will receive Ksh70.21 million – a rise from the initial Ksh59.23 million in the previous financial year. Raila’s perks, however, dropped from Ksh78.69 million to Ksh74.16 million.
Boycott Taxes
Raila called for Kenyans to boycott taxes instituted by the Kenya Kwanza regime until the Finance Act 2023 is repealed.
He encouraged Kenyans to carpool and assist in giving each other a ride to cut down on fuel costs. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader also directed the public to cut down on non-essential travel to avoid incurring extra costs.
He also urged matatu owners to double their carrying capacity while maintaining fares at the same rates in an act of civil disobedience.
The former prime minister appealed to the police officers to allow matatu owners to carry above capacity in solidarity with Azimio’s call.
Raila also instructed Kenyans to block the paths of motorcades from President Ruto and his government while on the roads – as an act of unity against the current regime.
The opposition is set to unveil a programme for nationwide civil disobedience on July 7, 2023.
