Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba on Wednesday, May 24 was on the streets interacting with her constituents on the Finance Bill 2023.
Residents were bothered by the government's obsession with taxes without addressing the high cost of living that saw prices of basic commodities shoot through the roof.
Meanwhile, the vocal lawmaker and a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) asked for honesty from the locals, ahead of debate and voting on the bill in Parliament.
"You are my first employee because you gave me your votes. I want your honesty," the MP stated
Wamuchomba told the voters that if the bill was passed, they would suffer more. She further asked for advice on how to vote.
"I want to hear your opinion. Don't say it to make me happy because it is you who will feel the pinch. Are we headed in the right way?" she posed.
"You are angry because of tax and unga. Now, because you voted for me, and I am part of Ruto's government, should I vote YES or NO?" the MP asked.
The seemingly angry residents asked the MP to shoot down the Bill and if she lost her seat they would re-elect her.
"Even if you lose your seat, you will be content knowing you fought for Kenyans," one local stated.
Furthermore, they were angered by the direction President William Ruto and his administration had taken despite promising them 'heaven' during the campaign season.
"We can not afford basic items, we have to drink sugarless tea. Life has become harder and our salary has not increased," another resident shouted.
The Finance Bill 2023 proposed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u on May 4, was rejected by Kenyans and the opposition due to the high taxes.
However, Ruto's chief economic advisor Dr David Ndii on Sunday, May 7 defended the bill urging those opposing it to draft a similar budget friendlier to Kenyans.
"Those who oppose the Finance Bill should sit down, write an alternative budget that cushions external without the International Monetary Fund (IMF), brings down the deficit with no tax measures. And so the numbers," Ndii stated.
A number of lobby groups have mounted pressure, opposing the bill. Free Kenya Movement (FKM) set out to collect signatures to support a petition filed at the National Assembly.
