Activists to protest against ‘Unga’ taxes

Civil society groups will hold demonstrations against any move to impose value added tax (VAT) on basic commodities.

In a week-long programme, the activists under the banner of the Coalition for Constitutional Implementation (CCI) said they will mobilise members of the public for “three days of action against unga (flour) tax from June 24 to 26.”

CCI convener Cidi Otieno told the Nation last evening they will first hold a series of rallies to oppose the proposal by the government to tax bread, maize meal and milk as part of its efforts to raise more revenue.

Against the law

“That proposal to tax milk or bread will have adverse effects. We will mobilise people to picket so that the government can know this is in fact against Article 43 of the Constitution,” Mr Otieno said.

CCI which brings together civil society organisations such as Bunge la Mwananchi, La Vie Foundation, The Nubian Human Rights Forum, The Unga Revolution and The Super Ethnic Minority Rights Forum announced it would start to mobilise wananchi tomorrow in various parts of the city ahead of the planned demos.

They said they will start in Kangemi, before moving to Kawangware on Wednesday, Kibera on Thursday, Shauri Moyo on Friday, and Kamukunji on Saturday before going to Mlango Kubwa in Mathare.

They will complete their campaign in Kibera and the City Centre at the Jeevanjee Gardens on June 24.

“We will mostly mobilise people in slum areas because they will suffer the most,” he added.

According to the group, increasing the price of basic food commodities will be contrary to the Constitution that guarantees the right to food.

However, Treasury argues VAT will be another source to raise monies needed to finance the Sh1.6 trillion budget read last Thursday by Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich. MPs have also oposed the move.