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Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang’ula has given the way forward after President William Ruto conceded to people’s demand and refused to append his signature on the Finance Bill 2024, sending it back to Parliament.

In a statement on Thursday, June 27, 2027, Wetang’ula first explained that the Bill had sailed through all the processes in Parliament and was set to be signed by President Ruto.

However, due to public demand, President Ruto sent back the Bill to Parliament for reconsideration with reservations recommending deleting all the clauses contained therein.

Nonetheless, Wetang’ula quoted Article 115(4)(a) of the Constitution indicating that any Member of Parliament who wishes to revive any clause in the rejected Bill would have to get support from at least two-thirds of the lawmakers.

“Aware that, in accordance with Article 115(4)(a) of the Constitution, any Member desirous of negating the President’s reservations or reviving any of the 69 Clauses of the Bill is required to marshal the votes of at least two-thirds of the Members of the National Assembly, being 233 Members,” Wetang’ula made it clear.

Wetang’ula refers President’s memorandum

At the same time, Wetang’ula informed the nation that he had referred President Ruto’s memorandum to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

Further, Wetang’ula directed the Committee to consider the President’s reservations and table a report when MPs resume meeting after recess.

“That, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(2) and (3), I hereby refer the President’s Memorandum of Referral in respect of the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024) to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

“That, the Committee is required to expeditiously commence consideration of the President’s Memorandum, its reservations and recommendation, and report to the House at the next regular sitting upon its resumption,” Wetang’ula insisted.

Message to Clerk

Additionally, Wetang’ula asked the Clerk of the National Assembly to send notifications to all MPs and also facilitate the Committee to undertake the exercise.

Wetang’ula added that the Clerk will prepare the necessary message for formal conveyance to the House upon its resumption.

A report from the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning will determine if the Bill will be dropped in its entirety as directed by President Ruto or if it will be revived.

Kenyans will have to wait till July 22, 2024, when the House resumes to know the fate of the rejected Finance Bill 2024.

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— National Assembly KE (@NAssemblyKE) June 27, 2024

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