Several Kenyan MPs have expressed remorse for their support of the Finance Bill 2024, which sparked widespread protests and controversy. Most of the apologies came before President William Ruto hailed MPs who backed the finance bill, calling them true heroes.
MPs Public Apologies
MPs used different methods and channels to convey their apologies. These are some of the apologies thus far:
1. Central Turkana MP Joseph Namuar
He said: “I laud President William Ruto for the leadership he has exhibited 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.”
2. Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria
He explained: “I am sorry please forgive me for not listening to you in rejecting the Finance Bill 2024.”
His wife joined the effort, wearing a shirt reading “HE’S SORRY PLEASE FORGIVE HIM.”
3. Nyeri Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto
“You reached out to me and made your stand clear regarding the Finance Bill 2024, this time I fell short of your expectations…The voice of the people of Tetu will always be my guiding light.”
4. Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere: “As for my Laikipia North constituents please accept my profound apologies for voting against your expectations. Accept my humble apologies.”
5. Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo
Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo: “I apologize to all Keiyo South people for voting YES to the Finance Bill…going into the future I promise to listen more to sauti ya mwananchi.”
6. Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo
“I take this opportunity to cancel and withdraw my yes vote. I am going to tell the Speaker to remove my name from the list of Yes and put it on the No list of rejecting the Finance Bill.”
These apologies reflect the significant public backlash against the Finance Bill 2024 and highlight the tension between parliamentary decisions and constituent expectations.
