Deputy Minority leader of the National Assembly Robert Mbui has faulted President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua for meddling in parliamentary affairs on issues concerning the Finance Bill 2023.
Mbui has stated that members of Parliament should be at liberty to pass the bill or not once it is tabled in the National Assembly.
Speaking on Monday at Citizen TV DayBreak show, the Kathiani legislator exhibited frustrations in the manner the Finance bill is being handled by the two leaders.
“It is very unfortunate that the president says he will be watching very keenly on how MPs vote and there have also been veiled threats depending on how people vote maybe that’s how development will be taken to their areas, the constitution is very clear we must develop every part of the country,” he said.
He called on the legislators not to be hoodwinked by the Executive, but instead, represent the wishes of their constituents.
“I think Kenyan legislators need to understand that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 is very very clear about the roles of the Members of Parliament and one of those roles under article 95 is representing the people and I want to advise my colleagues because have heard a few from the Kenya Kwanza side kind of insisting they would do what the president asks,” said Mbui.
He further said the threats of preferential development projects in the country are uncalled- and Kenya deserves to be developed uniformly without prejudice on the basis of voting patterns.
The Deputy Minority leader reiterated that Kenyans have been paying taxes over the years and there will be subsequent finance bills every year, however, tax increments proposed in the Finance Bill 2023 would greatly reduce people’s disposable income.
He further urged the Kenya Kwanza government to do the bidding of the people because it’s the people who gave them the responsibility.
“It is unfortunate when I listen to the president when I listen to the deputy I am shocked you know the kind of dictatorship that this country is slowly going towards. Otherwise would want to urge the Kenya kwanza Members of Parliament to be objective.”
On Sunday, the Head of State said he will be keen to see MPs who will reject the bill.
“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,” said the president.
On the other hand, Gachagua hinted that those who reject the bill will consequently miss out on constituency development plans.
“Legislators should be in full support if they expect to get development funds. 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,” Gachagua said.
