Gachagua Denies MPs Took Ksh2M Bribe for ‘YES’ Vote
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly denied allegations that the Kenya Kwanza government bribed Members of Parliament with Ksh2 million each to secure their votes for the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
During a church fundraising event in Maragua constituency, Murang’a county on Saturday, June 29, Gachagua strongly defended the legislators who have been criticized by their constituents for supporting the bill. Gachagua asserted, “I want to confirm as the Deputy President and as the Deputy Party Leader of UDA, we did not give out Ksh2 million for them to vote for the Finance Bill.”
A total of 205 MPs voted in favor of the Bill, allowing it to proceed to the Second Reading. The Bill then smoothly advanced to the Third Reading, effectively passing and now only awaiting President William Ruto’s signature to become law.
Despite largely avoiding public criticism himself, Gachagua stood by the MPs, insisting that they have learned from their mistakes and will not repeat them. His comments came amidst accusations that MPs were bribed to ensure the bill advanced to the Second Reading.
Leaked WhatsApp messages earlier in the week suggested that some MPs were demanding the remainder of the alleged bribes, claiming they had only received Ksh100,000—a small portion of the purported Ksh2 million.
These allegations surfaced from Juja MP George Koimburi on Sunday, June 23, who claimed that legislators were indeed offered Ksh2 million each to vote in favor of the Finance Bill.
Koimburi, one of the 114 MPs who voted against the bill, alleged that the bribes were meant to secure the bill’s passage, which has faced widespread condemnation amid a rising cost of living.
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Speaking at the AIPCA Ndururumo Church in Juja constituency, Koimburi revealed that he refused the bribe and opposed the bill, taking a firm stance against the proposed legislation.
“We were offered money… you saw how they carried money in sacks,” Koimburi told congregants. “We were told that for every yes vote, we would receive Ksh2 million.” These allegations have sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans, who have urged their representatives to reject the bill. The accusations have also increased scrutiny of President William Ruto’s coalition.
Facing intense criticism, Gachagua mounted a vigorous defense on Saturday, refusing to succumb to pressure from insiders calling for his resignation. He called for fairness and patience, reminding Kenyans that they would have another opportunity to elect their leaders in 2027.
“Let us be fair. Many of you may be disappointed. Won’t you have another opportunity to elect them in 2027? Give them time to work. Do not abuse them,” he pleaded. “Let us not abuse them, attack them and their property.”
Following the bill’s passing, properties belonging to key figures such as Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Kimani Kuria and MP Jayne Kihara have been torched. The offices of Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah in Kikuyu were also set ablaze.
Gachagua Denies MPs Took Ksh2M Bribe for ‘YES’ Vote