Piece by: MAGDALINE SAYA

01 June 2023

• He said Kenya has been trailblazing as many countries have been able to generate public debate on issue affecting the people such as taxation

• He said for weeks now the debate has remained issue oriented and there is no hint of divisive ethnic rhetoric at all

President William Ruto on Thursday said the high cost of living being experienced in the country is keeping all leaders awake, including himself.

The President however expressed satisfaction with the debate being generated by the Finance Bill.

Speaking during the 60th Madaraka Day celebrations in Embu on Thursday, the President said the bill has changed the national discourse in the country from political and ethic discussion that had been witnessed in the country in the recent past.

He said Kenya has been trailblazing as many countries have been able to generate public debate on issues affecting the people such as taxation and other policy issues.

The President noted that the debate on the Finance bill is not being discussed in all public spaces and workplaces.

“There is a robust debate on the Finance Bill taking place very where in this country, churches, social places formal and informal workplaces, all media platforms and busy as well as in urban and rural gathering,” Ruto said.

“For weeks now the debate has remained issue-oriented and there is no hint of divisive ethnic rhetoric at all,” he added.

This comes barely two days after the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition resolved that its MPs will vote against the Finance Bill 2023.

In a statement read by National Assembly Minority Whip Opiyo Wandayi on Tuesday, the coalition asked the government to withdraw the Finance Bill in totality and reintroduced it in a manner that addresses the interest of Kenyans.