National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on Wednesday urged MPs to address the contentious Finance Bill, 2024 within Parliament rather than airing grievances at public forums.

Speaking at a funeral service in Bungoma County, Wetangula criticized politicians for using such events to express their opinions instead of taking legislative action to serve the best interests of Kenyans.

"The legislators have the power to ensure Kenyans are well represented by how they vote on the floor of the house," Wetangula emphasized. He challenged MPs to engage in meaningful debate and action within Parliament, rather than merely voicing concerns in public without follow-through.

“I am asking our MPs to save the public from the agony of crying that the Finance Bill, 2024 is bad. You are the ones who pass bills. Come to Parliament and do the right thing for the people of Kenya,” Wetangula stated.

He reminded MPs that they play a crucial role as drafters of the bill through the Budget Committee, highlighting that they have a platform to make their voices heard, unlike the general public.

“The people of Kenya are dependent on you because they elected you,” Wetangula added.

His remarks come amid widespread criticism of the Finance Bill, 2024, which has sparked public outcry over proposed increases in various taxes. Notably, the bill includes an annual motor vehicle tax ranging from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 100,000, depending on the vehicle's value.

The public's frustration has been further inflamed by statements from some MPs supporting the bill. For instance, National Assembly Finance Chairperson and Molo MP Francis Kuria described the motor vehicle tax as "a hybrid of income and wealth tax," suggesting that those unwilling to pay should refrain from using their cars.

"If you don’t want to pay the motor vehicle circulation tax, then don’t use the car, like how you don’t use the expressway if you don’t want to pay for it,” Kuria stated, which drew significant backlash from Kenyans.