Gachagua’s ‘threat’ to MPs ahead of Finance Bill debate
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is seemingly spewing threats to Members of Parliament ahead of the scheduled tabling of the controversial Finance Bill, 2023.
The DP while speaking in Narok on Sunday, June 4, 2023, said MPs opposing the Bill should not ask for development funds from the government.
“There is a lot of incitement around this whole Finance Bill issue. I was in Kitui yesterday and their MP spoke about cessation and people were clapping. And then soon after he was telling me they need roads, where does he expect the money to build roads to come from?” the DP quipped.
The DP argues that the Bill is their solution to revenue collection.
“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,” he said.
On his part, President William Ruto made a subtle statement saying that he is on the lookout for the legislators who are opposed to the Bill.
"I am waiting to see the MPs who will go against the government's plan to give their voters employment. We want to see and know those going against this Finance Bill," he stated.
Further, Ruto questioned why legislators who have mortgages as a result of deductions from the salaries of Kenyans would oppose his affordable housing plan.
“As a leader, you are already getting a mortgage due to the taxes paid by the people of Kenya. Why would you deny these young people that opportunity? Is it not right for us to know who will vote against the bill?
"Those who are rejecting the bill are only doing so because they had been voted in those leadership positions by the people. I am waiting to hear their explanation of why they will vote against it. How can we agree during elections that housing will create jobs and other opportunities, but when it comes to implementation, we betray our people?
The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, Njuguna Ndung’u, is scheduled to table the Budget — also known as the Finance Bill — in Parliament on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
