I'm Waiting - President Ruto's Message to MPs Planning to Vote Against Finance Bill

Those legislators intending to vote against the contentious Finance Bill 2023 may get themselves in President William Ruto's bad books. 

The president noted that the sailing of the bill would be instrumental in uplifting the lowly Kenyans who are in their numbers.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Narok County on Sunday, June 4, the president suggested that the lawmakers dissenting from the bill do not mean well for Kenyans. 

He wondered why a lawmaker would choose to shoot down what would change the life of an ordinary Kenyan for the better.

According to him, the opposers would jeopardize the state's ambitious plan to house Kenyans decently and provide job opportunities to the jobless.

He said he would be keen to know who would be opposing it; the president seemed to be addressing the MPs in his Kenya Kwanza fold.

"I agree with those saying we should know how each MP will have voted. I'm waiting to see that MP that will vote to object to the government's agenda to create jobs for these young Kenyans who voted for them. I'm waiting," he said.

A tough-talking Ruto accused the dissenters of suppressing the plan to provide mortgages to the common citizenry while themselves enjoy theirs at a decent rate.

"I'm waiting to see the MPs who will go and vote against housing that will give these people a chance to own a decent home, with 5% mortgage when themselves as leaders are getting 3% mortgage from taxes paid by Kenyans. I want to see them," he stated. 

A section of lawmakers elected on UDA party tickets has vowed to shoot down the bill.

Githunguri's Gathoni Wamuchomba has been categorical that she would not be voting in favour of the bill which is supposed to be introducing new taxation.

Also on the dissenter's side is Mathira's Eric Wamumbi who said, "I will not be supporting the new taxes proposed in the finance bill. Hatuwezi finyilia mwananchi mwenye amefinyika already. As a responsible Member of Parliament, I will stand with the people,"

The bill has been a subject of discussion among Kenyans lately.

Proposed therein are a raft of measures to raise more revenues for the government to undertake its plans.

The Housing Fund is proposed to create a pool of monies to put up affordable houses for non-housed Kenyans.

Despite the houses, the president is on record the housing plan will create jobs for the jobless youths.