Former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has urged legislators to ignore party allegiance and unite in opposing the Finance Bill 2024 for the sake of Kenyans’ welfare.

Speaking on Sunday at Masjid Kulthum, Joho joined other politicians in opposing the contentious bill, arguing that if the proposed law is passed, Kenya’s economy will collapse.

He accused President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration of punishing taxpayers.

“What you’re doing is to make our people poorer every day. Do you want them to remain poor as you rule over them every day?” posed the former governor.

Joho said the bill, which seeks to introduce more taxes as the government seeks to raise more revenue, does not consider the well-being of ordinary Kenyans.

“This is not a matter of whether you are a member of ODM or UDA. It calls for people to get out of their parties and listen to the voices of the people. Go to Parliament and debate on behalf of the people,” said Joho.

“As ODM, we will vehemently oppose it, but we do not have the numbers needed to turn it down; we need more support.”