By Francis kioko
Date 21 May 2024
In a bold move to assert their influence, a faction of MPs loyal to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has initiated a campaign to oppose the Finance Bill 2024, signaling a significant political rift with President William Ruto. These MPs, expressing their grievances revealed plans to publicly denounce the bill in churches and other public gatherings, vowing to push for “some amendments.”
This stance marks a departure from the previous year’s approach, where Kenya Kwanza leaders aligned with the party’s directives to pass the Finance Bill 2023 without hesitation. This time, Gachagua’s allies have resolved to await his guidance before making any decisions on the bill.
To bolster their position, the MPs have enlisted a team of experts to thoroughly analyze the bill, ensuring they do not repeat the mistake of endorsing legislation without fully understanding its implications.
The campaign is being framed under the theme “an attack against Gachagua is an affront against the Mt Kenya region,” emphasizing that undermining Gachagua equates to undermining the Agikuyu community. This move not only underscores the internal tensions within the ruling coalition but also highlights the regional dynamics at play in Kenya’s political landscape.