Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong'i has defended his decision to back President Uhuru Kenyatta's proposal to charge eight per cent VAT on petroleum products. Tong'i said he supported the tax because no government can run without money.
"As Kenyans we are entitled to pay taxes to enable the government to run its operations. I supported the eight per cent VAT on fuel tax because it is the same money which will be allocated to MPs to fund projects in the constituencies," he said.
Speaking at Ibeno area on Friday, the MP said he doesn't regret his decision because the government is offering free primary and secondary education.
"The government is using the same money collected as tax to fund the free day primary and secondary education. Kenyans must shun politicians who are out to use the eight per cent VAT on petroleum products to get political mileage," he noted.
The Jubilee MP accused a section of Gusii MPs who were on the front line opposing President Kenyatta's proposals on fuel tax saying the legislators were opposing the new proposals to get fame.
The Head of State last week Friday signed the Finance Bill 2018 into law, a day after it was approved by the National Assembly.
Analysts, however, opine that the move to charge VAT on petroleum products will lead to a rise in the cost of living.