Hello and welcome to the Friday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where the Finance Bill is causing major losses.
Situational Awareness: We have noticed that LinkedIn has changed how it is pushing newsletters on email. Previously, the newsletter would display once you opened the mail. However, in the new changes you have to click on the ‘view entire message’ to access the newsletter.
Kimani Kuria Makes Losses
The contentious Finance Bill 2024, has caused major losses for Molo Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria who also serves as the Finance Chairperson in the National Assembly.
Shortly after he, alongside his colleagues passed the Finance Bill on Tuesday, residents took out their anger and frustration on him by raiding his some.
In the incident that was shared widely, residents were filmed throwing stones at the two-storey building and setting a section of the units in the compound on fire.
An assessment of the property revealed that the MP made losses amounting to millions during the raid.
For starters, a hatchback and an off-road car (Land Cruiser) were razed down following a fire that was started by the locals. On the other hand, a double cabin pickup was vandalised by stones and will need major repairs.
The MP also lost his poultry investment. At the time of the raid, the MP was reported to have been keeping 10,000 chickens.
Out of the 10,000 only 200 were left behind. Painfully, the remaining 200 were also burnt during a fire incident in the chicken house.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker also lost six grade cows and several goats. However, police were able to recover some of the animals even as they pursued the suspects who stole from the MP's home.
Kuria was the face of the Finance Bill 2024 owing to his role as the chairperson of the Finance Committee in the National Assembly. Given his role, he was the mover of the Bill which contained tax proposals from the government.
Some tax proposals caused a public uproar among Kenyans and led to nationwide protests.
Notably, Kuria was not the only casualty of the protests. In Nyeri, a supermarket belonging to Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina was looted with the incident captured on TV.
According to the MP, he lost close to Ksh500 million in the incident.
"The scrap metal dealers are now scavenging for the metallic stands that remained after the inferno even as the 350 employees have been left jobless," he stated.
Intervening on behalf of the MPs, Deputy President Rigathi Gchagua called on Kenyans to restrain from attacking the MPs, explaining that they supported the Finance Bill because that was the position of their party and government.
"I want to ask Kenyans not to punish MPs for the stand that they took. A government is formed by a political party.
"Once a government has a programme in Parliament and decides it is good for the people, members of Parliament from that party must toe the line," the DP stated.
Guess Who?
Can you guess who said these words?
"The Constitution seems to have been suspended. We cannot allow that. The government has unleashed brute force on our country's children and more seems to be on the way. Kenya cannot afford to kill its children."
To find the correct answer, simply scroll down as you read this newsletter.
SHIF Registration
On Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha rolled out plans for the nationwide registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
According to the CS, the exercise will kickstart on July 1 with all Kenyans required to take part in the exercise.
SHIF is replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) which has been serving Kenyans for the last few years.
Under the new medical cover. Kenyans will be able to undertake registration by themself or through the help of government officials.
- Self Registration
Self-registration will be done through two ways including a USSD code.
"In preparation for the rollout of the Social Health Insurance and its benefits, I hereby announce that registration shall commence from July 1, 2024.
"This will be conducted countrywide through self-registration by use of a USSD *147# or www.sha.go.ke,” the CS stated.
- Community Health Promoters
Kenyans who have a challenge in accessing phones or the internet will be helped to register for the new medical cover by their local health officials.
- NHIF Offices
Equally, Kenyans who wish to register can visit various NHIF offices across the country for the exercise.
"In light of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 that sought to finance the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund and set aside funds for indigents and vulnerable persons the Ministry is reworking to align to this reality.
"Therefore, the existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until we roll over to SHA," she stated.
SHIF will be rolled out officially on October 1 when the 2.75 per cent contributions will begin.
Here are the top stories for the day;
- Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen denies funding protests aimed at invading State House.
- Not so fast! High Court bars police from using teargas and water cannons on protesters.
- Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah hits out at the DP over his stance on the Finance Bill 2024.
- Kenyans donate Ksh1 million to the family of Rex Masai and other victims of police brutality.
- Defence CS Aden Duale gives assurances on the deployment of KDF across the country.
Weekly Kenyans.co.ke Quiz
Do you think you are a news guru? Every week, the newsletter team brings you a 10-question quiz testing your knowledge of the top news topics for the week.
Take our quiz and test how well you understood the week's most important stories.
Guess Who Answer
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo and Ronnie Mbugua.
