On Wednesday, the National Assembly's floor erupted in a heated discussion when the Finance Bill 2023 was introduced, but vocal azimio MPs were not in parliament.
Members of Parliament from Kenya Kwanza supported the bill by President William Ruto's administration. Still, their Azimio counterparts opposed it since the controversial housing levy dominated the house floor.
At least 176 MPs, the majority of whom were Kenya Kwanza supporters, as well as a few others, including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris of Azimio la Umoja, supported the bill that, among other things, calls for a 1.5% mandatory housing fee.
Here is a list of key azimio mps who were vocal in opposing the finance bill 2023 in the streets but failed to show up in parliament to affirm their stance.
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Butere MP Tindi Mwale. Butula MP Joseph Oyula, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of ODM party. Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo. Galole MP Hirbae Said. Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo, Matungulu MP Stephen Mule Mutinda. Mavoko MP King'ola Patrick Makau. Mumias East MP Peter Salaysa. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo of ODM is serving a two-week suspension from the National Assembly over gross misconduct. Ruaraka MP T J. Kajwang of ODM is also serving a suspension. Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu of ODM was also suspended from the National Assembly by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
During the heated debate, Robert Mbui, the deputy minority leader, refuted assertions that Kenya has low taxes compared to other African countries. He claimed that comparisons between Kenya and other African nations were meaningless.
"The average monthly wage in Tunisia is Ksh.176 000, the average monthly wage in South Africa is Ksh.187 000, and the average monthly wage in Morocco is Ksh.263 000. An average Kenyan makes Ksh. 22 000 per month. How would you compare day and light? Mbui stood.
The Bill has now been referred to a committee of the whole House, where members can propose amendments.
