Safina Party demands scrapping of taxes on food and cooking oil

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By Peter Leftie pmutibo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, January 1  2012 at  22:00

IN SUMMARY

• Muite wants Kibaki to abolish duty on maize, wheat flour, sugar and kerosene

Safina Party wants the government to remove taxes on basic commodities to cushion Kenyans from the harsh economic climate.

In its new year message, the party led by prominent lawyer Paul Muite proposed the removal of taxes on commodities such as maize flour, wheat flour, cooking fat and sugar to shield Kenyans from the rising cost of living.

“We call upon President Kibaki and Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to rescue Kenyans from the hard economic times by scrapping tax on foodstuff and to immediately take action against sugar companies that have caused an artificial shortage of sugar,” said a statement signed by the party’s secretary general, Mr Cyprian Nyamwamu.

“This is necessary in order to return these essential commodities to price levels that Kenyans can afford,” he added.

The price of maize flour has in the last 12 months risen from Sh75 in January 2011 to Sh120 today while that of a 400-gramme loaf of bread has risen from Sh35 at this time last year to Sh46 today.

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The party also urged the government to ensure the Constitution is fully implemented to guarantee a peaceful transition.

Declare his stand

The party challenged Mr Kenyatta to declare his stand over a plan by Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni to move a constitutional amendment to scrap the Senate on the grounds that it would be too expensive to the taxpayer.

Mr Kioni is a staunch supporter of Mr Kenyatta’s presidential bid.

“We take this opportunity to call on Mr Uhuru Kenyatta to clarify his position on devolution.

“His foot soldiers like Kioni are calling for the scrapping of the Senate which is the anchor of devolution whereas his ministry is fronting bills that intend to control the county governments from Nairobi,” the statement said.