Didmus Asks Government To Increase Taxes On Fake Nails And Expensive Clothes

• Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has asked the government to increase taxes on fake nails and other beauty products
• Barasa said there is a lot of money there, which could be added to the government's Cash Transfer Program for the elderly
• He faulted Azimio MPs for failing to appear during the 2024 Finance Bill discussions and lamented after the bill had been passed

Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has weighed in on the country's tax debate in the 2024 Finance Bill.

Speaking in Vihiga, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MP said the government should tax any Kenyan wearing clothes above KSh 10,000 and beauty products.

Barasa said the collected taxes could be used to develop the country and added to the Cash Transfer Program for older people.

"I want the government to increase taxes to anyone wearing clothes worth more than KSh 10,000, ladies' products including nails and the be added to the Cash Transfer Program. This can be made possible if MPs avail themselves and we change that into law," Barasa said.

Why Didmus Barasa faulted Azimio MPs

The legislator blasted opposition MPs for complaining about the 2024 Finance Bill, yet they are always focused on trivial issues and traveling outside the country.

According to him, Kenya Kwanza MPs are always present in Parliament to discuss matters of national importance while they condemn the government at rallies and funerals.

" Azimio MPs, when the National Assembly is discussing matters of national importance, they are outside the country on a family vacation, and return when the budget has been passed and start throwing tantrums to the government in churches and funerals," Barasa said.

As the country's 2024 Finance Bill discussion continues, Barasa called on Azimio MPs to attend Parliament for discussions and voting.

List of proposed items to increase in tax

The Finance Bill 2024 proposed a raft of tax measures and changes to the finance year 2024/25 budget.

The proposed taxes include a 25% exercise duty on vegetable oil, a 16% VAT on everyday bread, and KSh 257.55 per kg of imported sugar, among other Edible Oil Manufacturers.

Association of Kenya raised concerns over the 25% exercise duty, saying it will raise prices of household food products.

Azimio leaders on taxes

Azimio leaders had called upon their MPs to vote against the 2024 Finance Bill when presented in Parliament for discussion.

While addressing the media, Kalonzo Musyoka said the government's proposal burdened Kenyans.

They further threatened the government to return to demonstrations if the Kenya Kwanza fails to listen.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke