Anonymous

Wadosi Wakenya Wote, I come in Peace and humility. The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I travelled out of the Country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed. But no explanation should absolve the blame. As for the feedback we have received from all Kenyans, we take it with humility. All the feedback will go a long way in making us better as we discharge our duties in Parliament and outside as we serve the great people of Kenya. We have always been available and forthright in debating both the Appropriations Bill and the Finance Bill on the committee and on the floor of the house as a commitment to giving a different and alternative view. This has also been an important platform of informing Kenyans on the things that affect them, the businesses, investment decisions and the Economy in general. Whereas this is important, we also must acknowledge the fact that Parliament is in an unprecedented phase where both the Majority and the Minority leadership are on the same side thereby making it difficult to effectively act as an institution of oversight. That’s why we choose to do it both inside and outside. On the proposals we had on reducing fuel prices, we had the opportunity to appear before the relevant committees. Unfortunately, the Finance Committee did not include the proposals in their final report. The alternative that was left was that of initiating a private member bill. However, this was deemed as a “Money Bill” and could not be carried as an amendment in the Finance Bill on the Floor. It had to take its own course. The guidance from relevant offices in parliament was that we initiate the process after the Finance bill process since most officers of parliament and especially the Parliament Budget Office were engaged in the process of Finance Bill and Appropriations Bill. The process will now continue on a different path. I have taken time to read the feedback from Kenyans and it is clear that; we carry an immense responsibility that we should always live up to. We are glad that together, we have achieved many things through debate, talking about them in forums & media and sharing information. To cite just two; In December, we were able to speak forthrightly about the plan to hike School Fees for Day Secondary Schools. The plan was shelved, not by the involvement of Parliament; but by the government knowing that Kenyans were aware. Earlier this year, we took up the issue of the 15% GoK sale of Safaricom shares. While the majority of numbers prevailed in Parliament, the Judiciary sided with our view and money has never changed hands. The sale has never been effected. We have taken it upon ourselves to tabulate, collate and analyse Economic related information which we always quietly and gladly share with leaders both in Parliament and outside for better oversight and alternative viewpoints. Personal comfort would call for us to be quiet at critical moments, but it is unpatriotic to seek comfort over what is right. As human as we are, we are far from being perfect and we will always seek to learn from the feedback we receive. Asanteni sana. We are African and Africa is our Business.

19 years on, still. Alhamdulillah 🥷

"'If you want to run for President,Run from such issues!"Cherargei blasts Omtatah