President William Ruto attributed the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 to what he described as “propaganda and rumours.” Ruto argued that the opposition to the Bill was unfounded and driven by misinformation from a small section of the populace. He emphasized that the Bill contained proposals aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans, despite the outcry over its tax measures.
The President pointed to specific proposals within the Bill that were intended to benefit the residents of Bura and Mgange by providing them with access to water and electricity. “Nilikuwa nimeweka the budget lakini ikaletewa kizungumkuti ikaenda segemnege. Wengine wakapiga NO hio kitu yote ikapotea sasa imerudi niende nifanye ukarabati ingine. Unaona vile hawa watu wananitesa, wananisumbua,” Ruto lamented, hinting at the possibility of introducing a revised version of the Bill.
Ruto dismissed the opposition’s claims about the Bill’s provisions, labeling them as baseless. “Na ni fitina tupu, ooh sijui imewekwa mambo ya cancer, sijui imewekwa nini ya mashamba na yote ni porojo na uongo lakini ya mungu ni mengi,” he stated, denouncing the spread of false information about the Bill’s contents.
Despite the setback, the President expressed a sense of resilience and optimism. He noted that the experience had provided an opportunity to build a better Kenya. “I have accepted that what has happened has given us a chance to build a better Kenya. The government I have created now is a government of uniting all Kenyans,” Ruto asserted. He emphasized that his administration is focused on fostering unity among all Kenyan communities, ensuring that collective efforts are made to address the nation’s challenges.
Ruto’s remarks came after the Finance Bill 2024 faced significant public backlash, leading to widespread protests. Kenyans took to the streets to demand the Bill’s rejection, citing concerns over the proposed tax increases and other measures perceived as burdensome. The public uproar prompted the government to withdraw the Bill for further consideration.
In response to the public outcry, the National Assembly, in a Committee of the Whole House session on Thursday, voted to accept Ruto’s reservations and recommendations. They agreed to delete all contentious clauses of the Bill, effectively nullifying its initial form.
The President’s comments highlighted his administration’s commitment to revisiting the Bill with a focus on incorporating public feedback. Ruto acknowledged the need for a more inclusive approach to policy-making, one that takes into account the concerns and aspirations of all Kenyans.
Moving forward, the President’s administration is expected to engage in broader consultations to develop a revised Finance Bill that aligns with the interests of the populace. Ruto’s emphasis on unity and collective effort underscores his vision for a government that works collaboratively with its citizens to achieve sustainable development.
In conclusion, the downfall of the Finance Bill 2024 underscores the importance of transparent and inclusive governance. As President Ruto navigates the complexities of policy-making, his administration’s ability to address public concerns and foster national unity will be crucial in shaping Kenya’s future. The coming months will likely see renewed efforts to craft legislation that balances fiscal responsibility with the needs and aspirations of the Kenyan people.
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