MPs opposed to Finance Bill vow to take ‘battle’ outside parliament

A section of lawmakers who opposed the Finance Bill 2024 has promised to continue mounting pressure on the government to drop the contentious tax document.

Speaking shortly after those in support of the bill ensured it sailed through the second reading with 204 votes compared to 115 cast by those rejecting it, the legislators largely drawn from the Opposition coalition maintained they haven’t lost the battle in its entirety.

“The battle will continue both here in the house and outside the House. We are going to mobilize Kenyans across the divide to continue with their peaceful demonstrations. We will not retreat, we will not surrender, we will ensure that the interests of Kenyans ahead of any other vein political interest,” said Nyando MP Jared Okello.

“Looks like we lost the battle in a very draconian manner because people were impervious to reasoning, they did not want to hear anything that is bad with this bill,” Junet Mohamed, Minority Party Whip

Whilst expressing shock that there are members from their side who voted for the Bill, Minority Party Whip Junet Mohamed indicated the opposition will announce the way forward on Friday. He, however, decried the partisan manner the Bill which he argues has far-reaching implications was handled by fellow lawmakers.

“Looks like we lost the battle in a very draconian manner because people were impervious to reasoning, they did not want to hear anything bad with this bill,”

“We could have done well as Members of Parliament. A Bill is not for one side of Kenyans. When a bill is being passed in parliament it is for all Kenyans. We need to reason,” he said

Anthony Oluoch from Mathare Constituency protested the passage of the bill saying; “This was a long con. The bill that was subjected to public participation was a decoy, it was a red herring. I encourage Gen Z, where Baba had left, this battle must not stop. We stand with you Aluta Continua,”

Besides demonstrations, some opposition legislators have disclosed that they will push for amendments as early as next week to have the clauses considered contentious removed.

In the meantime, they want the police to stop using excessive force against Kenyans who have turned up to picket as a way of expressing their displeasure with the Finance Bill.

“We want the government to know, that the children of members of parliament from both divides are the ones in the maandamano. If you are a listening government, please take action. There is something wrong going on in the country,” said Millie Odhiambo, MP Suba North

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