Mombasa County member of parliament (MP) Zamzam Mohammed on Wednesday June 19, 2024 clashed with Kenya Kwanza MPs during a heated debate on the Finance Bill 2024 in parliament.

This was when MP Zamzam mentioned that the Finance Bill 2024 has a clause on taxing cancer treatment.

“Women and people who are vulnerable are affected by this disease. We are even taxing sickness. My fellow Members of Parliament, where are we leading our nation?” she asked.

She added that such taxes as proposed in the bill have angered Kenyans, forcing them to protest on the streets without Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

At the same time, the ODM MP recalled how Kenyans opposed inclusion of housing levy in the Finance Bill 2023 but it was forced upon them.

In addition, the Mombasa Woman MP noted that Kenyans had raised concerns on the Bill, during public participation, adding that their views have been ignored.

“Let us not be deceived into thinking that there are things in this bill that Kenyans have agreed to,” she said.

Her sentiments led to an uproar in the House, as most Kenya Kwanza MPs shouted, calling her names before Speaker Moses Wetangula intervened to restore order.

“But when I look at the estimated amount of money to be collected and its usage, Kenyans are being squeezed, and I want to tell you that even a cat, when you hit it or lock it in the house, it will scratch you,” she said.

She also explained that Kenyans were annoyed, that’s why they are mobilizing themselves on social media using a hash tag ‘Reject Finance Bill’ and ‘Occupy parliament’ protests.

At the same time, she defended citizens for sending messages to their MPs, Senators and even the president, to shoot down the Finance Bill.

“The time has come now that Kenyans are starting to follow us with messages, even to President Ruto.

“In this Kenya, people have woken up, and I want to tell you we will laugh today, some are happy, others have been sent to vote yes, but remember that this bill you are passing today will affect future generations,” she said.

The MP also advised her Kenya Kwanza counterparts to be considerate when passing such crucial Bills in parliament, and ensure they are not oppressive.

Meanwhile, Zamzam wondered why Kenyans were being overtaxed yet about Ksh4.9 billion has been allocated for the office of the president as the office of the deputy President gets Ksh4.5 billion.

Led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, the Finance and Planning Committee presented the Finance Bill for its second reading in parliament on Wednesday, initiating deliberations among MPs.

Amendments to the Bill will be considered during the Committee of the Whole House, requiring a simple majority for approval.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed MPs to review the Bill and committee report ahead of voting on Thursday afternoon, with the final decision slated for the following Tuesday during the third reading