UDA MPs Claim Development Pledge Forced Them To Support The Finance Bill
Kenya Kwanza MPs have defended their decision to vote for the contentious Finance Bill, claiming that they did so to help the country’s development.
Over 15 lawmakers gathered in Makwa village, Gatundu North, to mark the start of construction on the 14-kilometer Gatukuyu-Makwa-Igamba road, which will cost Sh800 million.
They are MPs Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North), Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), John Njuguna (Kiambaa), Chege Kiragu (Limuru), and Mburu Kahangara (Lari).
Others include John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe North), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), George Macharia (Ndia), Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri), and female representatives Anne Wamuratha (Kiambu), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), and Jane Kagiri (Laikipia).
The lawmakers claimed that the Bill, which is being opposed by various sectors, is good for the country because it seeks to raise funds that are critical to the country’s socioeconomic growth.
Kagombe stated that the proposed law has catered to the country’s farmers, noting that tea, coffee, and dairy farmers will benefit the most from increased funding for cherry, fertilizer, and better produce markets.
The MP emphasized that Kenyans must remain patriotic and agree to pay taxes for the sake of the country’s growth and development.
“There’s no way the country will witness developments without adequate funds for projects. We passed the Bill to ensure the government collects enough funds to spur economic developments across the country,” Kagombe said.
His Thika counterpart stated that her decision to vote ‘Yes’ on the bill was motivated by the need for funds for cash transfers, diapers, sanitary towels, subsidised fertilizer, and bursaries.
Ng’ang’a urged President William Ruto to resist pressure from the opposition and demonstrators and instead focus on steering the country toward economic prosperity.
Wamacukuru stated that the Bill is critical to the country’s growth, as it will provide much-needed funding for development projects such as roads, water, electricity, and health, among others.
The MP urged Kenyans to support the state’s plan to grow and develop the country’s economy, noting that all contentious elements had been removed.
“The Bill is not oppressive and Kenyans should go through it and realise that all clauses that would have hurt mwananchi have been removed,” the lawmaker said.
Ndia MP Macharia, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Roads and Infrastructure, said the Mt Kenya region is set to benefit from road projects worth Sh6 billion, adding that the Mau Mau project, which has stalled for years, will be revived.
“Funds for road projects and especially the Mau Mau road, have been factored in the budget and this is great news to Mt Kenya region people where the road transverses. It will improve transport and boost the region’s economy,” he said.
Kururia stated that tarmacking the crucial road will improve the fortunes of Gatundu North residents, who are primarily farmers and will help boost the region’s economy.
Mwirigi stated that he voted for the Bill because it provides sufficient funding for Universal Health Coverage, which will improve cancer patients’ access to medical services.
He stated that his constituency has the highest number of cancer patients.
“I voted Yes because my people will have accessible affordable medical services,” he said.
Meanwhile, lawmakers chastised Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his repeated calls for unity in the Mt Kenya region, accusing him of spreading divisive politics.
They stated that the country is united and strongly supports the current regime for the sake of progress.
UDA MPs Claim Development Pledge Forced Them To Support The Finance Bill
