Central Turkana MP Joseph Namuar has apologised to his constituents for voting in favour of the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024.
Namuar, who is also a strong United Democratic Party (UDA) party affiliate, said that the move by President William Ruto to decline to sign the Bill into law has paved the way for dialogue.
He further pleaded with his constituents for their pardon after voting for the passing of the Bill which has sparked violent protests and caused the deaths of protesters.
“I laud him for the leadership he has exhibited today to show Kenyans that he can listen to their views. If there is a way we did wrong for those of us who voted YES we ask for your forgiveness,” he said.
“Also as your (President Ruto) footsoldiers, we ask for forgiveness on your behalf.”
President Ruto on Wednesday bowed to the mounting pressure and announced that he would not pass the unsavoury Bill into law after nationwide protests escalated with protesters even breaching Parliament in the capital.
The breach was a few minutes after the lawmakers voted 195 to 106 in favour of the tax bill which protesters argue will exacerbate the cost of living with the proposed punitive taxes in place.
Meanwhile, protesters have threatened to march to State House, today, Thursday 27, to express their dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s government.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have started rolling their armed trucks and tanks into Nairobi in what the government said is to support police officers in maintaining calm. Major roads leading to State House have been heavily barricaded.
