Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has strongly criticised National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah over his recent remarks claiming Parliament quietly passed 97 per cent of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 in December.

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Monday, June 23, 2025, Gakuya expressed disappointment in Ichung’wah’s statements, describing them as dangerous and misleading.

“I agree that Kimani’s sentiments are very inciting,” said Gakuya. “As a leader, how can you just wake up and tell Kenyans that actually they are foolish because whatever they fought for, we silently sneaked it into the Finance Bill?”

Ichung’wah made the remarks on Sunday, June 22, while addressing a congregation at PCEA Kikuyu. He told churchgoers that after the deadly protests in June 2024, Parliament waited for tempers to cool before passing the same proposals in December, saying 97 per cent of the bill went through without chaos.

“For your information… on December 4, 2024, everything that was in the Finance Bill was passed quietly, without any deaths or throwing stones,” Ichung’wah said.

Gakuya urges caution, respect

But Gakuya believes such comments disrespect the youth who lost their lives or protested against the original bill.

“These young men and women, their anger and bravery actually made the Head of State drop that particular Finance Bill,” he noted.

“You now come out telling them that you silently sneaked it back in? These are words that can burn this country. We must think carefully before we speak.”

Gakuya urged leaders to apply wisdom and avoid words that could provoke more unrest.

“We should apply what we call wisdom when we speak,” he said. “I want to tell Kenyans, be at peace. Do not be pressurised by the sentiments of Kimani.”

He also called on citizens to do their own research before reacting to such statements.

“Find out whether Kimani’s sentiments are correct. If they are, raise your voice wisely, but do not turn to violence.”

Ichung’wah had defended the government’s move by saying the new laws were amended to address concerns. Key changes included dropping taxes on essential goods and removing the 1.5% Digital Service Tax.