Edwin Sifuna Explains Why ODM Will Summon Party MPs Who Supporting Finance Bill Voting
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.
In a significant turn of events, 204 members of parliament have voted in favour of the Finance Bill 2024, despite widespread public outcry demanding its withdrawal.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga during the opening of the Pan African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference. Photo: Raila Odinga. Source: Facebook
This decision, which was heavily criticised by Gen-Z and other Kenyans, saw only 115 MPs voting against it.
In response to the controversial voting outcome, ODM party secretary general Edwin Sifuna has announced intentions to summon party MPs who disregarded the public's plea to oppose the bill.
"I celebrate the 115 Patriots who heeded the call of Kenyans and voted against the Finance Bill 2024. Know their names. As to the 204 who voted yes, I will leave it to our new overlords, Gen Z, to do with as they please.
As the secretary general of ODM I will be recommending to the Party NEC that we initiate recalls in one or two constituencies held by some of those who went against the wishes of the people," he said.
How many ODM MPs okayed Finance Bill?
During the voting process, legislator Gideon Ochanda from Bondo supported the bill.
His decision disregarded the party's directive to align with public sentiment and advocate for the withdrawal of the bill.
Meanwhile, some ODM MPs who had sided with the Kenya Kwanza faction, including David Ochieng (Ugenya), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), and Jalang'o (Lang'ata), defied President William Ruto's directive and voted against the bill.
Were protesters targeting MPs during Nairobi protests?
Meanwhile, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah claimed that a section of Kenyans planned to harm MPs during their protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Ichung'wah stated that the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome confirmed the plans to him.
As a result, police officers were dispatched around the parliament building to ensure the safety of the legislators.