President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua have adopted a bullish push of the contentious Finance Bill 2023 setting legislators against the electorates a day after the Deputy President said the ruling coalition controls majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) and thus there is no point in opposing it.
Today, president Ruto has said MPs should cast their vote for or against the Bill through an open ballot system.
“I am waiting for the Members of Parliament who will go and vote against the employment of these young people, against housing that would give these people the chance to own a house with five per cent mortgage…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.” President Ruto said.
He asked MPs not to bow to pressure from the opposition Azimio One Kenya Coalition to vote against the interests of the people.
“They are opposing the employment of the youth and Housing Plan that will give Kenyans decent and affordable homes.” He added.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service for Cabinet Secretary for Environment Soipan Tuya in Narok.
The Bill which is already at the National Assembly awaiting the MPs’ decision once it is tabled on the floor of the House for the Second Reading next week for a vote has been subject to fierce criticism from leaders and Kenyans alike saying the Bill is punitive, a burden and unrealistic.
Yesterday, Gachagua, while speaking during his visit to St Charles Lwanga in Kitui county said the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance holds a supermajority in the House and therefore attempts to defeat the Finance Bill 2023 in the National Assembly would be an attempt in futility.
“Even if you make noise and put sufurias on your head, even if you reject the bill, thinking it won’t pass, you don’t have the numbers and that’s the truth, there’s no need.” Gachagua said.
Today, the DP said the government will implement the housing project to expand economic opportunities in the country.
“The housing project will enhance the growth of manufacturing industries like cement and steel, boost hardware businesses and create jobs.” Gachagua asserted adding that the beneficiaries of the Housing Fund will be ordinary people.
“This project will deliver decent housing units for low-income earners at affordable rates.” He added.
Among other leaders present in Narok include First Lady Rachel Ruto, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and MPs.
