Azimio Leaders Blame Colleagues as Finance Bill Passes

The opposition camp is facing turmoil following a late Wednesday vote on the Finance Bill. Reports suggest that a top-level meeting has been scheduled within the opposition to analyze the situation. Leaders from the Azimio faction have engaged in a blame game, directing their anger towards colleagues who either voted ‘Yes’ or were absent from the House during the passage of the Bill. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, a second-term MP, was the first casualty of the opposition’s anger after she defied the coalition’s position and voted in favor of the Bill. In retaliation, she was expelled from all opposition WhatsApp groups, including the Azimio PG group.

The absent opposition MPs faced criticism, and Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro alleged that their absence was part of a tactic to ensure the passage of the bill under the Kenya Kwanza agenda. Prior to the vote, Azimio Council Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya instructed all Azimio MPs to reject the bill, but some notable members did not vote or were absent from the House.

In response to the chaotic situation, ODM leader Raila Odinga scheduled a Central Committee meeting to discuss the conduct of ODM members during the vote. The absence of certain MPs was attributed to their suspension or overseas parliamentary trips.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo explained his absence, blaming Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for misleading members about the duration of the debate. Babu Owino, the Embakasi East MP, stated that he was absent from Parliament because he had a court hearing scheduled for the following day.

Despite the disappointment with the vote, some opposition representatives expressed hope for future opportunities to make changes during the committee stage of the bill. They emphasized that this was only the second reading and that there was still a chance to address concerns during the third reading.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, the only UDA MP to vote against the bill, cited her constituents’ instructions as the reason for her vote. She defied calls from her party leader William Ruto and DP Rigathi Gachagua to support the bill, criticizing its impact on the cost of living and the welfare of Kenyans.