The National Assembly is set to resume sittings on June 6, 2023, and top on the agenda of the House is the debate and voting on the contentious Finance Bill 2023.

The bill, which was proposed by the government, has been met with widespread opposition from Kenyans, who argue that it will impose a heavy tax burden on the poor and middle class.

Among the key proposals in the bill are a 3% housing levy, a 16% increase in VAT on petroleum products, and a new agency tax on betting.

The government has argued that the tax increases are necessary to raise revenue to fund its ambitious development agenda. However, critics say that the government is simply trying to fill its own coffers at the expense of Kenyans.

A petition signed by nearly 900 groups has been submitted to Parliament, urging MPs to reject the bill. The petition argues that the tax increases will "severely impact the poor and middle class, and will lead to job losses, a rise in inflation, and a decline in economic growth."

The petition also argues that the bill is "unconstitutional" because it violates the principle of "equity" by imposing a heavier tax burden on the poor and middle class.

It remains to be seen whether Parliament will heed the calls of Kenyans and reject the bill. However, if the bill is passed, it is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

Political analysts say that MPs are likely to vote along party lines, with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance supporting the bill and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party opposing it.

This is because the Kenya Kwanza Alliance has a majority in Parliament, and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party is unlikely to be able to muster enough votes to defeat the bill.

Some Kenyans are concerned that the MPs will simply rubber-stamp the bill, regardless of the impact it will have on ordinary Kenyans.

They argue that the MPs are more interested in lining their own pockets than in representing the interests of their constituents.

Others are more optimistic, and believe that the MPs will ultimately do what is best for Kenyans.

They argue that the MPs know that they will be held accountable by the electorate if they pass a bill that is seen as being unfair to ordinary Kenyans.

Only time will tell what will happen when Parliament votes on the Finance Bill 2023. However, one thing is for sure: the bill is a major test for the independence of Parliament and the commitment of MPs to representing the interests of their constituents.