By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
President William Ruto has remained adamant that members of parliament have no other option when it comes to the 2024 Finance Bill which is before them.
Ruto insists the MPs must pass the bill that has generated controversies that have sparked widespread protests.
Speaking during the Garissa University’s 5th graduation on Thursday, the Head of State noted that the bill given give room for his administration to effectively serve the people.
“MPs should pass the finance bill to secure jobs for intern teachers, fund HELB & School feeding,” the President said.
Ruto’s sentiments come in the wake of a wave if young Kenyans protesting against the bill. They want it totally withdrawn from Parliament.
The young Kenyans, commonly referee to as Gen Z on Thursday held a second round of protests.
The protests were held in several major urban areas, unlike on Tuesday when it was only in Nairobi.
But as protests rage on, MPs continue to debate. They are expected to take a vote later on Thursday.
While contributing to the debate, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro cautioned that failure to pass the Finance Bill 2024 will have huge implications on the country’s operations.
“If the Finance Bill does not pass, State House budget is being cut Ksh500M, office of the president Ksh500M, security organs will lose Ksh7.75B, HELB will lose Ksh3.2B, JSS teachers will not be employed permanently,” the Budget Committee chairperson said.”
“Every constituency will be cut Ksh50M from CDF, the MPs will also be voting against electrification in our villages,” he added.