Budget Reading Marred by Walkout of One Kenya Alliance MPs

Members of Parliament allied with the One Kenya Alliance walked out of the National Assembly in protest during the budget statement reading by Treasury and National Planning Cabinet Secretary, Njuguna Ndung’u. The MPs expressed their dissatisfaction by booing at the CS before leaving the session. Despite the walkout, Ndung’u proceeded with the budget statement as directed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. The leader of the walkout was Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

This budget statement holds significance as it is President William Ruto’s first budget as the head of state. Ndung’u arrived at Parliament on Thursday afternoon to present the 2023-24 Budget estimates. Accompanying him were other officials, including Permanent Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

Ndung’u’s journey to Parliament began from his office at Treasury Buildings along Harambee Avenue. He was escorted by police officers while riding in a black Passat. Upon his arrival at 2:31 pm, he was warmly received by the National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning chairman, Molo MP Kimani Kuria, and his counterpart from the Budget and Appropriation committee, Ndindi Nyoro.

To summarize, MPs aligned with the One Kenya Alliance staged a walkout during the budget statement reading by CS Njuguna Ndung’u. The CS proceeded with the statement despite the protest, and this budget holds significance as President William Ruto’s first. Ndung’u arrived at Parliament escorted by police, and he was received by prominent committee members upon his arrival.