Members of Parliament (MPs) have voted in favour of the amendments made in the Finance Bill 2024 at the Committee of the Whole House.
In a sitting on Tuesday, June 25, the majority of the MPs voted to adopt the amendments to Finance Bill despite the ongoing demonstrations in different parts of the country.
195 MPs voted in favor of the bill while 106 opposed it while three of the votes were spoilt.
The bill now awaits to be read again for the third reading and presentation for Presidential assent even as MPs from the opposition side are calling for its complete rejection.
Gen Z Protests
The outcome came despite opposition from Kenyans who staged protests in Nairobi CBD. Shortly after the House adjourned, protesters breached the barricade mounted by security officers to finally enter the premises of Parliament.
From videos captured from the scene, police vehicles were torched as the protesters ran towards the National Assembly.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission also reported that several people were shot outside Parliament resulting to the deaths of at least one person.
During the second reading, 204 voted in support of the bill while 115 opposed it allowing it through into the committee of the whole for amendments.
Also Read: Finance Bill Protests: Company Accused of Refilling Police Water Cannons Responds
The Committee concluded the consideration of the Bill in the amendments stage.
“I now put the question that the Committee reports to the House on its consideration of the Finance Bill, National Assembly Bill number 3o of 2024 and its approval therefore with amendments,” Boss put the question.
“The ayes have it.”
When the committee returned to the plenary, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula took over and directed MPs to observe Standing Orders during the voting process after presenting the question.
“I now put the question that the house does agree with the said report,” Wetang’ula said adding that the ayes won.
Also Read: Finance Bill Protests: UN, African Union Issue Statements as Pressure Piles on Ruto
Azimio MPs Withdraw Finance Bill Amendments
Opposition MPS however, withdrew amendments to the Finance Bill and rejected it in totality.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said the Azimio Coalition made the decision during a parliamentary Group meeting on June 24.
The Speaker however said he had only received notice from 12 MPs who asked for withdrawal of their amendments from the Bill.
Following the passing of the Bill in the Third Reading, Wetangula will now present it to the President for assenting.
President may assent to the Bill or refer it back to the House with some reservations within 14 days.
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