Homa Bay Supkem Secretary Mr. Nuhu Abdul Masoud has welcomed the President’s decision to withdraw the controversial finance bill.
The bill which proposed a raft of tax measures to collect additional funding amounting to Sh346 billion sparked widespread protests across the country as citizens voiced concerns over its potential impact on the cost of living.
In a statement issued to the media earlier Thursday, the Supkem Secretary hailed the move as a victory for the people.
“I thank the President of Kenya for being bold enough, accepting not to sign the finance bill 2024 into law and withdrawing it due to increased public pressure in which many Kenyans rejecting the bill in totality,” Masoud said.
He also thanked the MPs who voted yes and those who also voted No saying it was their mandate as the Constitution required them to.
“I also thank our MPs for doing what is their mandate by voting either Yes or No as it is their constitutional right,” he said.
The Supkem leader also urged the Gen Z to cancel protests as the President has listened to their views and promised to have a constructive conversation involving them to chart the way forward.
“I would like to urge our young Gen Zees to refrain from any protests so that we can move forward as a nation,” he pleaded adding, “peace is what we require now for any meaning development as many people now are pleased that President Ruto has listened to the voices of young Kenyans.”
Masoud also said paying tax is mandatory in Islam, what he termed as Zakat but noted that if the people are in hardships, it could be postponed until the time of ease.
“I also thank the Deputy President for standing with Kenyans and working together as team with the President,” he noted. President Ruto has assured the nation that alternative measures would be explored to address economic concerns.
By Moseti Julius and Brian Nyariki
