The 2022/2023 Finance bill which will be introduced to parliament this week after a round of public participation, has elicited debate among the political class and the citizenry alike. It is proving to be more controversial and divisive even before it goes to the August house for the second reading and subsequent debate on the floor of the house.

The Kenya Kwanza government is hell bent to ensure that the bill passes “whether you like it or not!” this is according to utterances coming from top government officials.

National Assembly Majority Chief Whip and South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro has vowed to ensure that the bill passes without any changes because the government never loses. He promised to mobilize MPs in the August house to pass the bill.

The president has also weighed in on the matter and his utterances came with a threatening posture as he said that the bill must be passed and he is waiting to see those MPs who will oppose the bill. He warned them against opposing the bill that is supposed to create jobs for jobless Kenyans through the housing project that seems to be the highlight of this finance bill.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also said that the bill will be passed despite the opposition from various formations that include Azimio, the civil society, employers and Kenya Association Of Manufacturers ( KAM ). Gachagua said that the government has enough MPs to pass the bill and that he will be watching those MPs who will oppose so that he ensures no development goes to their constituencies.

The bone of contention on the bill has been the issue of increased taxes with the housing levy taking center stage, the opposition led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga have vowed to mobilize their MPs to oppose the bill which they call draconian.

Workers unions have also vowed to oppose the bill which the government is touting as the panacea of the financial problems the country has courtesy of the handshake government. Kenya Kwanza politicians have been on the overdrive pushing for the controversial bill to pass so that the government gets money to drive their agenda.