Central Turkana Member of Parliament Joseph Namuar on Thursday expressed regret for voting in favour of the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
While addressing the press, the remorseful legislator acknowledged his mistake and pleaded for forgiveness from his constituents.
Namuar commended President William Ruto for declining to assent to the bill despite sailing through in parliament.
According to the MP, President Ruto's decision to withdraw the bill was a testament to the Head of State's commitment to fulfilling the demands of Kenyans.
“If by any means we made a mistake, we the MPs who voted YES to the Finance Bill ask for forgiveness,” the lawmaker pleaded.
“And just the way the president called for a dialogue, we as the president’s soldiers, ask for forgiveness on your behalf,” he added.
The legislator while admitting the decision, expressed empathy for Kenyans who were affected by the nationwide demonstrations.
Namuar's plea came hours after President William Ruto announced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill after Kenyans expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the proposed tax measures.
Ruto while addressing the press on Wednesday, revealed that the public outrage led to the loss of lives, destruction of property and even the desecration of constitutional institutions.
"Notwithstanding all these concessions, it became evident that members of the public were still insisting on the need for us to make more concessions," Ruto disclosed.
During his speech, the president also lauded the Members of Parliament who voted in favour of the bill and clarified that the bill underwent public participation before it was passed.
"I am grateful to all the members of the National Assembly who voted yesterday affirmatively for the Finance Bill 2024 as amended on the floor of the House to incorporate the views generated in the public participation process," the Head of State remarked.
