Opposition MPs address the media at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi on June 20, 2024 after the Finance bill 2024 sailed through the second reading.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga-led ODM on Thursday put its members on notice that they risk expulsion should they back the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.
The warning by the party came on a day several ODM rebels abandoned President William Ruto by rejecting the Bill during the vote at the second reading.
MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Phelix Odiwuor (Langata) and Esther Passaris (Nairobi) rejected the Bill.
Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party leader David Ochieng also voted against the Bill that has proposed additional taxes to raised Sh302billion in the next financial year.
MPs Memusi Kanchori (Kajiado Central) and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), however, voted in support of the Bill.
“To be fair, an essential staple food for the majority, like bread, does not deserve enhanced Value Added Tax (VAT) just like taxing sugarcane transportation amounts to double jeopardy: because sugarcane millers maintain almost all the marram roads they use,” said Mr Nyamita.
During the debate, Mr Odiwuor said he had to make the choice of rejecting the Bill because of some of the proposed taxes that have a potential of making life more expensive.
“First of all, I reject the Finance Bill 2024. Immediately it touched around everything that touches the common person. I had to make the choice that I am making today. Most of you know, I am a friend of the President and I spoke to him and he knows very well that this is my stand,” said Mr Odiwuor.
Ms Passaris, who in the last Finance Bill defied ODM and voted with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MPs, said the government needs to listen to the views of Kenyans.
“If we address corruption, we will be able to fund the expenses of this government. It is time we take a position that corruption is the biggest enemy in the room,” she said.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said they will be watching the voting process to set an example to other members of the party who “go to bed” with the Kenya Kwanza government.
The Nairobi Senator said a recent court ruling has now made it easy to recall rebel members and they intend to be the first party to put into use the ruling.
He observed that rebel members of the party are still in the party by virtue of a court order that stopped their ejection but following the ruling, the party now has a freehand in dealing with its errant members.
“I want to assure you that after this vote, we are going to test the new provision of the law on recalling MPs who don’t follow party positions and the will of the people,” said Mr Sifuna.
He said some party members have been exploiting the court by running to corridors of justice and obtaining court orders every time political parties initiate legal proceedings to recall them.
“I am telling you now, after the High Court's decision, we will select two MPs to demonstrate that they are not the bosses of the people; rather, the people are their bosses,” he said.
Article 114 of the Constitution states that the electorate have the right to recall MPs representing their constituency before the end of the term of the relevant House of Parliament, saying that Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for the grounds on which a member may be recalled and the procedure to be followed.
Efforts to expel the members from the party have been futile despite advancing the interests of the Kenya Kwanza government as they have either been saved by the political parties dispute tribunal or the court.
Azimio, as a coalition, has been opposed to several proposed taxes contained in the controversial Bill, arguing that it increases taxes on Kenyans already burdened by current tax levels.
“We are proud of the young people who have taken to the streets to oppose the Bill. We want to encourage them not to fear as we support them,” said Mr Sifuna.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi urged their counterparts from the National Assembly to prepare a motion to impeach Speaker Wetang’ula over his conduct of blocking senators from the public gallery.
He accused the speaker of allowing Parliament to be hijacked by the Executive and running the National Assembly as a local baraza.
“Senators have a right to access the public gallery to listen and see betrayers of Kenyans. We therefore cannot allow the speaker to act as a hireling of President William Ruto’s government. We are asking our MPs to come up with an impeachment motion against Wetang’ula,” said Mr Osotsi.
Senator Sifuna added: “We condemn the act of the speaker for being a coward. He is running the National assembly like a disco matanga DJ.”
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina said Mr Wetang’ula’s act amounts to a confirmation of the National Assembly as being an extension of the Executive.
“He is too drunk with power not knowing that power is transient yet he is supposed to be a symbol of unity,” said the Senate Minority Whip.
