Editor's Review

President Ruto declined to sign the 2024 Finance Bill on Wednesday after an uproar from Kenyans. 

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has referred President William Ruto’s memorandum rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

In a statement on Thursday, June 27, Wetang’ula directed the committee to consider President Ruto’s memorandum and report to the National Assembly when it resumes from a recess.

“That, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(2) and (3), I hereby refer the President's Memorandum of Referral in respect of the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024) to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning,” Wetang’ual directed.

He continued, “That, the Committee is required to expeditiously commence consideration of the President's Memorandum, its reservations and recommendation, and report to the House at the next regular sitting upon its resumption.”

Wetang’ula also directed the clerk of the National Assembly to circulate the notification to all MPs and accordingly facilitate the Committee to undertake the exercise.

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File image of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.

The clerk of the National Assembly was further directed to prepare the necessary message for formal conveyance to the House upon its resumption. 

Additionally, Wetang'ula pointed out that any member of parliament seeking to invalidate President Ruto's directive will have to marshall at least 233 MPs. 

"Aware that, in accordance with Article 115(4)(a) of the Constitution, any Member desirous of negating the President's reservations or reviving any of the 69 Clauses of the Bill is required to marshal the votes of at least two- thirds of the Members of the National Assembly, being 233 Members," Wetang'ula added. 

On Wednesday President Ruto announced he would not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and directed that it be withdrawn.

The Head of State said he reflected on the continued conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024 and listened keenly to the people of Kenya who rejected it.

"I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn and I have agreed with these members that this becomes our collective position,” said Ruto.