Edwin Sifuna on the Spot for Voting for Controversial Bill
The senator voted in favour of the bill allowing state officials to ditrectly transact business with government.
Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has found himself on the receiving end after voting in favour of an ammendment to the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023.
He was among the trending topics on the Kenyan X on Sunday, July 7.
This was after Kenyans learned that Sifuna was among the 25 senators who okayed the ammendment moved in the Upper House by Narok senator Ledama Olekina.
Olekina sought to have state officials allowed to do business with government directly.
The initial contents of the bill barred any public officer from dealing with a state entity in a contractual relationship for supply of goods, services or works.
Following the 25 senators' bipartisan approval of the bill in May this year, it was sent to the National Assembly for consensus before President William Ruto's assent.
If enacted, the new law would allow, among others, governors, senators, MPs, Cabinet Secretaries, and parastatal seniors to transact business with the state without the obligation of accountability.
Other senators who voted for the bill include; Kericho's Aaron Cheruiyot, Allan Chesang' (Trans Nzoia), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru) and Tom Ojienda of Kisumu.
Kenyans took offence at Sifuna given that he has constantly carried himself as a people's political and socia crusader.
See some of the reactions below;
Edwin Sifuna voted yes to the conflict of interest bill proposed by Ledama, that will allow state officials to do business with the government and protect themselves and their families from taxpayer accountability.
— Eve Maina (@evenmaina) July 7, 2024
Hahahahahahaha
Edwin Sifuna among those who voted for the conflict of interest bill that allows state officials to do business with government.
— Ignatious Muga (@IgnatiousMuga) July 7, 2024
When we think they care, Kumbe they are doing it for the camera and self interest. @amerix said never trust politicians#SabaSabaMarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/bz0ZvXJg4k
Tumbocrat Edwin Sifuna among those who voted for the conflict of interest bill that allows state officials to do business with government.
— Babylonian (@LilithBlack25) July 7, 2024
Tax Accountability tutaionea mbinguni walahi .
Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna among those who voted for the conflict of interest bill that allows state officials to do business with government. It means that for instance a CS can do business with the ministry they head. pic.twitter.com/GwypmIqBIs
— MR KENYAN (@samuel_nda629) July 7, 2024
I thought Edwin Sifuna ni msafi kama pamba yet he voted in favour of the conflict of interest Bill that allow state officials to transact business with government.
— Abdul Majid (@abdulm_ajid) July 7, 2024