Karen Nyamu Gives Vague Opinion On Finance Bill, Blasts Poor Kenyans For Complaining

• Karen Nyamu has sparked conversations because of her unclear remarks on the Finance Bill 2024
• The bill proposes revisions to the Income Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act, and the Excise Duty Act
• In a viral interview, Nyamu criticised the poor for protesting the bill, stating it targets the wealthy

Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has once again become the subject of social media discussions, this time due to her ambiguous stance on the Finance Bill 2024.

What is contained in Finance Bill 2024

The Bill proposes amendments to several critical pieces of legislation, including the Income Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act, and the Excise Duty Act.

If successful, these amendments will have a significant impact on Kenyans' economic and financial well-being.

Additionally, the Bill will affect other tax-related laws, such as the Affordable Housing Act, the Industrial Training Act, and the Data Protection Act.

Did Karen Nyamu struggle to respond?

A video interview that has been making rounds shows Nyamu being questioned about her views on the Finance Bill 2024.

She clarified that the bill is currently under discussion in the National Assembly, not the Senate.

She criticised the less affluent for their grievances about the bill, asserting that its provisions are designed to affect the wealthy, not them.

Senator Nyamu’s response was unexpectedly forthright for someone of her position.

"My general opinion of the Finance Bill. First, the Finance Bill is being heard by the National Assembly and not the Senate. What I know about the Kenya Kwanza administration, what we promised the people on the ground is the bottom-up model.

You might be complaining that President Ruto is taxing us too much, while at the same time, the National Assembly has removed taxes for the commoners and added for those who are importing goods like beds from abroad. Yet you are complaining. Why are you complaining? It's not targeting you. Find out what the Finance Bill entails. There is an increase in taxes; does it concern you? So you want to fight for the rich while your taxes have been lowered?" Nyamu said.

Netizens react to Nyamu's vague explanation

Anne Mawathe:

"Gosh! I bow my head in utter shame."

Yonney Jonathan:

"So, meaning high taxes and basic commodities affect only the poor, no wonder you were told never to engage in any debate coz you are clueless."

Paul Sewe:

"Yaani Akili za UDA surely surely."

Karen Nyamu the vixen

In a separate article, the politician featured in a gospel song as a video vixen.

She was a video vixen featured in Fire Bwize's Waambie Watulie, and she looked stunning.

The politician had previously teased about appearing in the music video on social media, stating that she was supporting Kenyan talent.

What you need to know about Finance Bill 2024

• Finance Bill 2024 proposes a KSh 2 million penalty for small businesses not complying with KRA's eTIMS.
• List of income tax, VAT, and excise duty changes proposed in Finance Bill 2024.
• List of online businesses and freelancers targeted for tax in Finance Bill 2024.
• President William Ruto defended the new tax measures, saying the country lags behind in tax ratio to revenue.
• The Edible Oil Sub Sector of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers strongly opposed the proposed 25% excise duty on vegetable oils.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.