President William Ruto has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the Finance Bill 2023.
He said the Finance Bill 2023 seeks to address challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
The President further noted that the Bill will stimulate the economy, create jobs and boost earnings.
He asked MPs not to bow to pressure from the Opposition to vote against the interests of the people.
“They are opposing the employment of the youth and Housing Plan that will give Kenyans decent and affordable homes,” he said.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service for Cabinet Secretary for Environment Soipan Tuya in Narok.
The President said the Government will implement the housing project to expand economic opportunities in the country.
He urged the Opposition to stop engaging in the politics of conmaship and deceit.
“Azimio supported the housing plan during campaigns, now that they have the seats they were looking for they want to short-change Kenyans,” he said.
He was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and MPs.
Gachagua said the negative publicity on the Finance Bill 2023 has been fueled by the opposition to incite Kenyans against the Government.
“The people do not have a problem with the Bill, it is a section of leaders peddling lies who have a problem with it,” he said.
The Deputy President said the beneficiaries of the Housing Fund will be ordinary people.
Narok South MP Kitilai Ole Ntutu called for public education on the Bill to help Kenyans understand its benefits.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said a section of legislators were deliberately misleading Kenyans on the Housing Levy for political gains.
“There is a lot of dishonesty and deceit in the conversation about the Housing Fund. It is not a tax, it is a saving,” he explained.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said it was ironic for MPs in the Opposition to oppose the Affordable Housing plan yet they are beneficiaries of the Government’s affordable mortgage.
Wetangula asked President Ruto to push his agenda boldly and fearlessly.
“Never fear to act and never act in fear,” he said.
Soipan said the Government is committed to increasing forest cover to 30% by 2032.