Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria,One of the MP’s who voted in favor of the controversial Finance Bill in the National Assembly picture went viral after he was seen wearing a T-shirt bearing an apology.
In the wake of widespread protests and intense pressure from citizens, several Members of Parliament in Kenya have issued public apologies for their support of the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024.
The T-shirt read, “I’m sorry, please forgive me for not listening to you in rejecting the finance bill.”
Nakuru East MP David Gikaria and his wife don t-shirts branded ‘I’m sorry’ for voting ‘Yes’ on the Finance Bill 2024 pic.twitter.com/k7ksDoaR7x
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) June 28, 2024
While some leaders have admitted their mistakes and asked for the public’s forgiveness, others have remained defiant.
John Kiarie, the MP for Dagoretti South, was one of the first to issue an apology following criticism of his remarks on the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
During a heated debate on the floor of the House, Kiarie had insinuated that the magnitude of the Gen Z-driven protests was exaggerated. He claimed that images circulating online had been doctored to make the crowds appear larger than they were.
The now-withdrawn bill provoked significant criticism in the face of rising living expenses.
Leaders who backed the bill, which called for a number of new taxes that Kenyans claimed would burden an already heavily taxed population, had been cautioned by netizens.
It’s not just Gikaria who has expressed regret. Joseph Namuar, the MP for Central Turkana, too gave in to criticism and apologized.
The MP, who supports the UDA, commended President Ruto for refusing to sign the law and emphasized the importance of communication.
Read also: Kabi Wa Jesus Releases A Diss Track For Leaders Who Voted For The Finance Bill