Raila Odinga Threatens to Call for Mass Action if Parliament Passes Controversial Finance Bill: "Punda Amechoka"

Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday threatened to call for mass action if Parliament passes the controversial Finance Bill 2023. The bill, which was tabled in Parliament last week, proposes a number of tax increases, including a 1.5% increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate and a 10% increase in the excise duty on fuel.

Odinga said the proposed tax increases would be a "blow and burden" to Kenyans, who are already struggling with the high cost of living. He called on Parliament to reject the bill and said that if it is passed, he will mobilize Kenyans to take to the streets in protest.

"We will have no options but to mobilize all the social sectors and take all necessary political actions to stop this blow and burden," Odinga said. "Punda imechoka."

The phrase "punda imechoka" is a Swahili proverb that means "the donkey is tired." It is often used to express the frustration of the people when they are being overburdened.

Odinga's threat of mass action comes at a time when the country is facing a number of challenges, including a high cost of living, a drought, and a rising crime rate. The opposition leader has been critical of the government's handling of these issues, and he has accused the government of being insensitive to the plight of the people.

It remains to be seen whether Parliament will pass the Finance Bill 2023. However, Odinga's threat of mass action has put the government on notice that the people are not happy with the proposed tax increases.

Raila Odinga, the former prime minister, has criticized the tax proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2023. The ODM leader warned President William Ruto against imposing additional taxes on Kenyans who are already struggling. Raila threatened to use all means, including demonstrations, to oppose the tax proposals of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Odinga said that the proposed taxes would be a burden on Kenyans, who are already facing high levels of poverty and unemployment. He argued that the government should focus on creating jobs and improving the economy, rather than raising taxes.

Ruto has defended the tax proposals, saying that they are necessary to raise revenue and fund government programs. He has also said that the government will provide relief to low-income Kenyans.

It remains to be seen whether the government will proceed with the proposed taxes. However, Odinga's threat of demonstrations suggests that the tax proposals are likely to face strong opposition from Kenyans.

Here are some additional details about the tax proposals:

• The Finance Bill 2023 proposes a number of new taxes, including a higher tax on fuel, a new tax on sugary drinks, and a tax on digital services.
• The government has said that the new taxes are necessary to raise revenue and fund government programs. However, critics argue that the taxes will be a burden on Kenyans who are already struggling.
• Odinga's threat of demonstrations suggests that the tax proposals are likely to face strong opposition from Kenyans. It remains to be seen whether the government will proceed with the proposed taxes.