Nelson Koech, a Belgut Member of Parliament, has accused the media of 'pushing the wrong narrative to the public' on the disputed Finance Bill 2023.

According to Koech, the media has sensationalized the debate surrounding the bill, alleging that it has swayed a majority of Kenyans who have yet to take the time to read the bill for themselves.

On Citizen TV's Daybreak broadcast on Tuesday, the Belgut mp said that the media had ignored people who have come out in favour of the measure, instead focusing on those who have opposed it.

PHOTO | COURTESY Belgut MP Nelson Koech

koech said that So many people have not socialized with this finance bill as just a talk and that the narrative out there is being driven by the media

"People have simply relied on the media, which has become sensational in this matter." "With so many people coming out in support of the bill, why hasn't it been reported? Your only reporting is negative."

According to Koech, the law includes many beneficial measures that will benefit Kenyans, and the media should fill up the gaps that are generating the knowledge gap.

He also praised the public engagement exercise, saying it allowed people to provide feedback "on where they feel that this comes to injure the citizens."

PHOTO | COURTESY Belgut MP Nelson Koech

"I like it when people criticize the bill and say, 'This is the section that bothers me.'" Anyone who approaches you and claims that the entire bill is nonsense is mistaken because there are good things in the bill.

"There is nothing in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto that is not included in this Finance Bill." 

The politician chastised the opposition for making bold promises to guarantee the bill fails in parliament, instead encouraging them to provide Kenyans with a copy.

Meanwhile, the opposition has threatened to resume anti-government rallies if the contentious Bill 2023 is not revised. However, the government remains optimistic, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claiming the bill will pass.