President William Ruto has defended Members of Parliament (MPs) who voted in support of the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
President Ruto described the 196 MPs who voted YES to pass the contentious Bill before it was transferred to the State House as the true heroes of the country.
The Head of State insisted that the MPs had made a sacrifice to save the country from the debt burden which he indicated that they inherited from the previous regime.
“One day Kenya will know that the MPs who voted yes are the true heroes of Kenya. Those are the people who saw the opportunity to unchain our country from debts,” Ruto stated.
While defending the MPs, Ruto revealed that dropping the Finance Bill 2024 has taken the country two years back.
Further, he clarified that he is not the one who invented Finance Bill in Kenya. He insisted governments since independent have been implementing Finance Bill to finance the budget.
“Many people think the Finance Bll was an infention of Ruto. It has been with us since independence. We have dropped the Bill, this means we have gone back almost two years.”
His sentiments come even as MPs who supported the Finance Bill 2024 continue to receive hostile receptions in various parts of the country.
MPs forced to apologise
Some of the MPs have been compelled to issue public apologies over their stance.
Among those who issued public apologies include Turkana Central Member of Parliament Joseph Namuar. The MP pleaded with his constituents for their pardon after voting for the passing of the Bill which has sparked violent protests and caused the deaths of protesters.
“I laud him for the leadership he has exhibited today to show Kenyans that he can listen to their views. If there is a way we did wrong for those of us who voted YES we ask for your forgiveness,” he said.
“Also as your (President Ruto) footsoldiers, we ask for forgiveness on your behalf.”
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua implored the lawmakers to address their constituents with decorum. Gachagua argued that proper communication would help them regain the public trust.
Other MPs have encountered hostile crowds which has resulted into loss of property worth millions.
