National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has chastised Members of Parliament for politicizing the national budget-making process, reminding them of their critical role in its formulation and implementation.
Speaking after public outrage over the Finance Bill 2024, Wetangula reminded MPs of their responsibility to work within the parliamentary system to resolve issues rather than publicly air grievances.
"You have had a one-month recess, and now it is time to focus on the national budget. Remember, you are not just representatives, but the architects who formulate and pass the budget in committees and the National Assembly," said Wetangula, emphasizing the crucial role of the MPs in the country's financial decisions.
He spoke at Mzee Yonah Namuli's funeral service in Sanandiki village, Bungoma.
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Speaker Wetangula emphasized that the time for complaints has passed, and MPs must now focus on constructive solutions and collaboration.
"Please save the public the agony of coming to cry in public that the budget is bad yet you are the ones who pass it... Stay in parliament and do the right thing for the people of Kenya. The public has placed their trust in you through their votes, and they are counting on you," he said, reminding the MPs of their duty towards the public.
On Tuesday, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged MPs aligned with the Azimio opposition coalition to vote against the proposed Finance Bill 2024 when it is finally tabled in parliament, claiming that the law will only hurt Kenyans more.
At Azimio's Parliamentary Group meeting in Nairobi, Kalonzo stated that if implemented as is, the bill will harm ordinary Kenyans due to the harsh tax proposals on critical items.
Kalonzo said the Kenya Kwanza administration will still ignore Kenyans' concerns and implement the BBillas, as they did with the Finance Bill 2023.
"We went to the streets. As a coalition, we are ready to go back to the streets if that is what it takes. And I hope you are bold enough to go and cause aggression on public participation," he added.