Prominent TV host Rachel Mbuki stood at the forefront of a significant protest held in Los Angeles where Kenyans residing in the United States voiced their strong opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.
The demonstration had a large turnout of the Kenyan diaspora united in their stance against the controversial bill.
In her address, Mbuki highlighted the bill’s potential adverse effects on Kenyans, urging the government to reconsider its measures
“Today, we stand together to reject the Finance Bill 2024. We call on the Kenyan government to reconsider these measures and engage with stakeholders to find a more balanced approach that promotes economic growth without unduly burdening its citizens,” she declared to a supportive crowd.
The Finance Bill 2024, which was proposed recently introduces several measures aimed at increasing government revenue through taxes and levies.
Protesters, with Kenyan flags and holding placards with messages such as “#RejectFinaceBill” and “Zakayo Shuka” echoed Mbuki’s sentiments.
Mbuki didn’t stop there, she went ahead mentioning some of the proposals that are contained in the finance bill 2024.
She brought to light proposals such as tax on land transaction which raises cost of owning land, M-pesa transfers that makes it difficult and very expensive to send money back home to their families friends and relatives who depends on them.
In addition, she also spoke about the finance bill compliance with Electronic Tax Invoices, impact of Air bnb rentals and housing levy.
She then urged Kenyans to continue fighting for their rights “Let us continue to voice our voices to advocate for a fair and just financial system.”
Many Kenyans have expressed concern over the bill’s provisions, which will make life so hard and unaffordable for them.
This is especially now that many people are struggling to make ends meets due to the already existing high economic hardships.
They called for the the rejection of the finance bill 2024 chanting repeatedly in unison;
“Reject Finance bill 2024,’ ‘One people One Voice,’ ‘One Kenya One people.”
The Los Angeles protest cames after the recent protest of Kenyans living in Washington, D.C.
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