How MPs are being duped to pass Ruto’s finance bill without reading
MP exposes how parliament is being tricked to pass Ruto's proposed controversial finance bill without reading
MP exposes how parliament is being tricked to pass Ruto’s proposed controversial finance bill without reading.
On Tuesday, June 13, Makali Mulu, a member of parliament (MP) for Kitui Central, bemoaned the existence of a planned plot to have lawmakers vote on the Finance Bill 2023 without having read it.
The lawmaker claims that many MPs are unaware of the details of the Bill, which will be voted on on June 14th.
While appearing on Citizen TV, Mulu explained that they were kept in the chambers until late and were asked to be present at Parliament Buildings at 9:00 am the next day to vote on the 500-page document.
Mulu argued that the majority of the time allotted to debate the Bill was spent by the Legislative Finance Committee, logically explaining how they were tricked.
“Informed by the contribution from Kenyans, the committee retreated to Naivasha to consolidate comments from the public, consider them, and then make decisions based on their judgment,” he lamented.
MPs were supposed to debate and vote on the bill on Thursday, June 8, but the exercise was postponed to give the committee the time to make necessary amendments raised through public participation.
Mulu explained that after the committee came from the retreat, Molo MP Francis Kuria, the committee chair, issued a voluminous document for which the MPs could not read in the stipulated time.
“Kuria tabled a 500-page report. The report was tabled minutes ago, and the Speaker (Moses Wetangula) pronounced himself that tomorrow by 9 am, we avail ourselves for the debate.
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“I am a very frustrated Kenyan. We adjourned minutes to 10 pm. Where do we get time to read this report?” the MP explained why most parliamentarians will vote unaware of the contents.
He argued that the August House was shortchanged, noting that the committees were mandated to guide the MPs on debates rather than making decisions on their behalf.
On Wednesday, June 7, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson John Mbadi, underlined that MPs would support the Bill after President William Ruto threatened them. The head of state urged MPs to vote for the bill in an open ballot to allow him to track down those opposing it.
“Some MPs – who I will not mention – have difficulties on whether they should vote for the Finance Bill or not because the president is threatening those who will not support it,” he stated.
On Tuesday, June 13, President Ruto urged the MPs to vote unanimously on the bill once it is presented in Parliament.
Speaking during the opening of Kerugoya General Hospital in Kirinyaga County, Ruto noted that by passing the Finance Bill 2023, the MPs would create jobs and aid Kenya Kwanza in securing its legacy.
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