Wetangula Confronts Hypocrisy: Leaders Publicly Oppose Finance Bill, Yet Remain Silent in Parliament
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, chastised politicians who oppose the contentious Finance Bill 2023 for misleading the public.
Saturday, during an education support fund drive at Lwandeti DEB Secondary School in Kakamega County, Wetangula stated that parliamentarians should stop misinforming their followers about the bill, yet they remain silent when asked to present their proposals to the House.
Wetangula instead advised those who oppose the bill to exercise their right to amend it in the House and to educate their supporters on the bill’s contents before urging them to oppose it.
“It is your responsibility as a leader to examine the bill, file an amendment if you wish, consult with your colleagues who will support you, and then come before the legislature to remove what you believe to be incorrect,” he stated.
“Every fiscal year, the Finance Bill and the Appropriations Bill must be submitted to Congress. There is no need to inform mama mboga to oppose the bill, and you are not permitted to speak in parliament.”
The event, which brought together leaders from the western region, was rife with political tensions as leaders affiliated with the Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalitions expressed divergent views on the bill.
The governor of Kakamega, Fernandes Barasa, urged leaders to scrutinize the bill when it comes up for debate, urging them to eliminate all provisions that will affect the cost of living.
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“Please examine the clauses that will increase the cost of living, and submit your amendments so that the bill passes without these clauses,” he requested.
“We are not opposed to taxation, but we want the opinions expressed by the public during public participation to be considered and a solution to the high cost of living to be found.”
The deputy governor of Kakamega, Ayub Savula, urged Wetangula to advise President William Ruto on the consequences of passing the bill in its current form, arguing that it will burden Kenyans.
“On the ground, Kenyans are currently claiming that the cost of living is excessive. “I will ask Speaker Wetangula to meet with President Ruto and use your sage counsel to encourage him to amend this bill,” he said.
Despite criticism from union workers, political leaders, and members of the general public, lawmakers are expected to debate the bill that will be presented to the House on Tuesday.
Wetangula Confronts Hypocrisy: Leaders Publicly Oppose Finance Bill, Yet Remain Silent in Parliament
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