On Tuesday, June 25, Members of Parliament aligned with the Azimio la Umoja coalition reversed their earlier stance on amending sections of the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
Instead, they opted to reject the bill entirely, citing alignment with the electorate's demands.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna clarified via his social media account that proposing amendments to the bill would only serve to perpetuate injustice against Kenyans by aiding the government's agenda.
“We have heard the call of Kenyans loud and clear. The directive is that we Reject, not amend. By proposing amendments we would be aiding the regime in perpetuating this injustice on Kenyans,” Sifuna stated.
“When the last vote is put our members will vote no to the entire thing,” he added.
Meanwhile, according to Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, Azimio lawmakers recalled their initial decision after realizing their proposals could change nothing to the bill.
While acknowledging the move, National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula stated that he had already received notices from several lawmakers affiliated with the coalition on the changes.
"The rest of the members, I can read through your minds. You want to make reckless political statements in the guise of amendments," Wetangula commented.
"Any member who wants to withdraw your amendments, write a letter and send it to my office, and I will approve immediately."
The change in stance comes against the backdrop of ongoing protests across major towns in the country even as Kenyans seek total rejection of the bill.
In Nairobi, police officers were forced to fire tear gas as groups of demonstrators intensified their protests in the Central Business District (CBD).
Similar scenes were witnessed in other major towns across Kenya including Nakuru, Kisumu and even in Mombasa.
