Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria on Thursday lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for rejecting the Finance Bill 2018.
In a gazette notice on Thursday, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi called MPs for special sittings on Tuesday and Thursday next week to discuss Uhuru's reservations.
Kuria who had publicly supported the 16 per cent VAT on petroleum products when he appeared for an interview on Tuesday on Citizen TV’s New Night show, took to his twitter account to thank the President.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank H.E the President for returning the Finance Bill. Now we will re-look both Fuel VAT & employer-employee 1.5% Housing Fund contribution for the Big 4. Under the din of political noise, its a win for those of us who remained sober throughout," tweeted Kuria.
Kuria has been on the receiving end for supporting the levy, with a majority of Kenyans arguing that the implementation of the tax will lead to high cost of living.
The MP, however, defended his stance, noting that the price of basic commodities will not be affected as products such as maize and wheat flour are zero-rated.
“There is no VAT on maize flour and wheat flour. The basic commodities are zero-rated. Even if the VAT is implemented on fuel, the basic consumption products are zero-rated. What would we say if there was VAT on unga?” he asked.
Kuria's move to thank Uhuru for rejecting the Bill has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans. Here are some of their reactions.