opposition factions in Kenya, spearheaded by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Wiper Party, have initiated procedures to recall Members of Parliament (MPs) who voted in favor of the controversial Finance Bill 2024. This follows the recent announcement by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who emphasized the party’s commitment to hold accountable those who supported the bill.
During the second reading stage of the bill, a total of 204 MPs voted in favor, while 115 voted against it. The bill, which has sparked significant public outcry and debate, is now progressing to the committee stage. The Finance Bill 2024 has been a point of contention, with many Kenyans expressing concerns over its implications on the economy and the general populace.
The procedure to recall a Member of Parliament in Kenya is a rigorous process that involves several steps:
- Petition Initiation: A petition must be initiated by a registered voter in the constituency of the MP in question. This petition must be supported by at least 30% of the registered voters in that constituency.
- Grounds for Recall: Valid grounds for recall include gross misconduct, violation of the law, or inability to perform functions of the office. The controversial vote on the Finance Bill is being positioned by the opposition as a violation of public trust.
- Collection of Signatures: The petition must be accompanied by signatures of the supporting voters. This stage requires meticulous verification to ensure authenticity and adherence to legal requirements.
- Submission to IEBC: Once the petition and signatures are collected, they must be submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for verification. The IEBC has the mandate to oversee the entire recall process to ensure compliance with the law.
- Verification and Approval: The IEBC will verify the petition and the signatures. If the petition meets all the requirements, the IEBC will approve it and proceed to organize a recall vote.
- Recall Vote: A recall election is then held in the constituency, where voters will decide whether or not to recall the MP. A simple majority is required for the MP to be recalled.
ODM and Wiper Party leaders argue that the MPs who voted in favor of the Finance Bill 2024 have betrayed the trust of their constituents by supporting legislation that could potentially harm the economic well-being of ordinary Kenyans. Edwin Sifuna, in his statement on Thursday, stressed that the opposition will not stand by while elected officials ignore the will and welfare of the people they represent.
“The Finance Bill 2024 is not just another piece of legislation; it directly affects the livelihoods of Kenyans. Those who voted for it must be held accountable,” Sifuna stated.
