Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba on Saturday, June 17, insisted that she will not be intimidated by any leader after she opposed the Finance Bill 2023.
Speaking during the Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Society field day, Gathunguri vowed to continue representing her people in Parliament regardless of the antics of her peers or those of powerful government operatives.
Further, she lauded her residents for standing firm with her during the entire process.
"I appreciate the support as well as the prayers and promise to deliver on my assignment as an MP without being intimidated," she stated.
The daring legislator made the remarks in the presence of President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah among others.
The president, on the other hand, called out the leaders who voted against the bill - insisting that their actions were aimed at deterring his development agenda.
"These citizens helped you get a job but you don't want a cut of your salary to fund the housing project. All MPs, including those in opposition who voted against the bill, are insincere. Let's stop petty politics from the few who are against the move," he stated.
Ruto thereafter posed a question to Githunguri residents on the Housing Fund project - wondering if Wamuchomba's actions represented the constituency's stance. The Head of State quickly realised that the residents' stance against the bill was firm.
"It's clear that the people of Githunguri don't want houses," Ruto stated amidst an uproar from the crowd.
Wamuchomba on Wednesday, June 14, took a definite stand by voting against the Finance Bill, 2023 - maintaining that it was oppressive and did not represent the people's will.
During the debate in Parliament, she questioned why the Housing Fund project was prioritised over critical issues such as high prices of basic commodities.
"I rise to oppose the Bill for the welfare of the Kenyan people. Those that I represent in Githunguri cannot afford a meal per day. The cost of living is very high. My electorate cannot afford unga," she stated.
In a previous interview, she denied rumours that she was an Azimio la Umoja mole for voting against the bill.
"Some are peddling rumours that I am a mole of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, I am not. I'm simply on the side of truth. Whatever this involvement brings, I'm ready for any eventuality. Whether they remove me from the party and send me to a by-election, I am ready," she noted.
During the second reading, 176 members of parliament voted in favour of the bill, while 81 legislators cast their votes against it.
Consequently, the bill proceeds to the third and final reading on Tuesday, June 20, where MPs will be accorded an opportunity to propose amendments to specific clauses within the bill.
