Nairobi — Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament will defend President William Ruto's legislative agenda in Parliament, including new tax measures.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations on Thursday, Gachagua noted the proposals made in the Finance Bill 2023 will allow the country to recover from a huge public debt and fund its development.

"Our leaders, remain steadfast as they support all legislative measures the government has proposed to the National Assembly to get away from public debt and fund our own development and current expenditure, we want to assure you we are behind you," he said.

The Finance Bill has stirred a backlash from different sectors and the opposition over a raft of changes and amendments to the various tax statutes.

Gachagua however dismissed the opposition terming them as detractors that are enemies of success.

"These detractors gave you no chance to succeed, as they see you making practical and pragmatic initiatives they are shouting and bringing a lot of propaganda," he said.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has reiterated his warning to mobilize nationwide mass demonstrations in response to the anticipated passage of the Finance Bill 2023.

Raila renewed his threat on Friday during a meeting of the Azimio coalition in Yatta in Machakos County.

"We have told Ruto that he needs to rectify things in his budget or else he knows what we will subsequently do next," he said.

The Bill seeks to amend key tax laws including the Stamp Duty Act, the Insurance Act, the Capital Markets Act, and the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act.

Others are the Statutory Instruments Act, the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, the Evidence Act, the Kenya Roads Board Act, the Road Maintenance Levy Fund Act, and the Retirement Benefits Act.