Finance Bill 2024: List of MPs who've asked for forgiveness after voting for bill

• President William Ruto declined to assent to the Finance Bill 2024 following a widespread public uproar
• Some UDA MPs including Turkana South's Joseph Namuar, John Kiarie of Dagoretti South, and David Gikaria of Nakuru East
• Didmus Barasa of Kimilili Constituency suggested his sorry state after declaring himself as the chairman of Gen Z protesters

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed to the Kenyan public for forgiveness towards the Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament who voted in favour of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which sparked widespread protests.

MPs John Kiarie of Dagoretti South (l), David Gikaria of Nakuru East (c), and Didmus Barasa of Kimilili (r). They have asked for forgiveness. Photo: Kiarie/Daily Emc/Didmus Barasa. Source: Facebook

This plea came after President Ruto refused to sign the bill into law amidst public outrage.

"I want them to know that Members of Parliament are free to exercise their voting right. Should anyone have a problem with a Member of Parliament because of the decision that he or she has made, you'll have an opportunity to express your displeasure in the next general elections," he said.

In response to the Deputy President's appeal, several MPs publicly apologised for disregarding the electorate's wishes.

MPs who have asked for forgiveness

1. David Gikaria

Nakuru East MP Gikaria and his wife wore t-shirts bearing the message "I am sorry, forgive me" as a visual gesture of apology to his constituents.

He acknowledged that disregarding the wishes of the people had fueled the outrage that resulted in extensive damages nationwide.

2. Joseph Namuar

Central Turkana MP Namuar also offered a heartfelt apology after voting for the Finance Bill 2024. He went further to laud President William Ruto for withdrawing the bill that was perceived as oppressive to Kenyans.

Regretting his support for the bill, he noted that the decision has allowed room for dialogue between Gen Z and the leaders.

"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," Namuar said.

3. John Kiarie

The Dagoretti South lawmaker took the initiative to pen a lengthy apology letter following his comments amidst the protests.

Kiarie clarified that the images circulated during the protests were either downloaded or AI-generated.

In his letter, he admitted that his remarks were unwarranted, misguided, and insensitive.

"I deeply regret my utterances and understand the anger and frustration that exists in our nation. Anger that stems from decades of unresolved, but potent national issues," the letter read in part.

4. Didmus Barasa

The UDA legislator from the Kimilili Constituency has also expressed regret to Gen Z members after he voted for the contentious bill.

This comes after he aligned himself with the protesters and proclaimed himself as a leader for the younger generation.

"Today I have appointed myself as the chairman of Gen Z. Nairobi chapter can now give us the vice chair. From now Gen Zs are no longer leaderless," he said.

Mutula Kilonzo Junior withdraws county finance bill

In other news, Makueni governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior withdrew the country finance bill to avert protests over hiked protests.

The devolved government had intended to increase the taxes to realise its budget of KSh 11 billion.

Mutula promised to review the bill once the Kenyan economy stabilises.

What else you need to know about finance bill protests

• A man went viral after offering tax-free hugs during the Nairobi protests
• A video emerged showing the moment protester Kyalo Mutisya was shot dead during the demos
• DCI released photos of individuals caught looting shops during the anti-finance bill protests