Omtatah responds to threats by Ruto to cut funding select areas over the finance bill
3 min read
Okiya Omtatah accuses Ruto of intimidation after threatening to deal with MPs opposed to the proposed finance bill 2023
Okiya Omtatah accuses Ruto of intimidation after threatening to deal with MPs opposed to the proposed finance bill 2023.
On Sunday, June 4, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka reacted to President William Ruto’s warning to reduce funds to particular constituencies if the MPs voted to block the Finance Bill 2023.
Ruto said in a sermon at a church in Leshuta, Narok County, that he had a personal stake in seeing MPs who would oppose the measure.
In separate rejoinders, Omtatah and Wamboka charged the President of abusing his authority and issuing subterfuge threats to the Parliament.
Once the bill is taken to the floor of the house, the Busia Senator implored his colleagues lawmakers not to be intimidated by the threats and to make the right decision.
“The MPs are independent and should vote by their conscience. They were elected by the taxpayers, not the President.
“Let them vote the way the taxpayers want instead of voting based on the government or opposition wishes,” he advised.
Omtatah, however, revealed that it was highly unlikely that the National Assembly would have a constructive debate concerning the bill.
“There is no debate that will be happening in the National Assembly. It will be name-calling and shouting.
“The fate of the bill will be decided outside parliament. You can see Ruto who is not a parliamentarian controlling the process,” Omtatah stated.
He also expressed his dismay at the lengths to which the Head of State was willing to go to make sure the bill sailed through.
“The bill is toxic and if it passes, it will be too expensive to do business in Kenya. Investors will flee,” the first-term legislator stated.
Oil prices rise as Opec+ (Saudi Arabia) pledges production cuts
Raila meets Azimio members after bipartisan talks deadline lapse
Azimio signals return of Maandamano
On his part, Wamboka, speaking in Bungoma County, did not take kindly the veiled threat from Ruto that opposing MPs risked being isolated from the development agenda.
“I want to plead with the President that the cost of living is very high. As an MP, I will oppose the bill as it seeks to increase taxes.
“We will not bow to threats since Kenya is a democratic nation and if we will not get development after opposing the bill, then we will tell the electorate not to pay taxes,” he threatened.
Ruto had earlier remarked that he would be watching keenly those MPs who opposed the bill and promised to deal with them
“We need to pass this bill so Kenya can develop. There are some suggestions that MPs should disclose how they voted when the bill is tabled in parliament, but personally, I am waiting to see any MP who will shut down that bill,” he stated.
His statement was supported by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who remarked, “Some of you (leaders) are lying to Kenyans, but know that if your MP is opposed to the Finance Bill, they should not ask for roads.”
Also read,
Ruto to deny development to areas where MPS will reject finance bill
Kalonzo differs with Raila as he supports Ruto’s Finance Bill
God will help Ruto transform Kenya like Kibaki, CS Kindiki
Follow us
