In Nairobi, the fallout from the Finance Bill 2024 has plunged the National Assembly into a contentious standoff. Speaker Moses Wetangula's firm rejection of Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo's attempt to repeal the bill underscores a deepening political crisis.
Initially passed by Parliament amid uproar, President Ruto's decision to withhold assent in response to public outcry has set the stage for legal wrangling. Wetangula emphasized that only an Act of Parliament can be repealed, dismissing Amollo's bid as legally untenable.
The bill, which drew ire for its contentious clauses, has now become a focal point of unrest, with youth-led protests convulsing the city. President Ruto's recommendation to delete all clauses has heightened tensions, prompting Speaker Wetangula to defer concerns to parliamentary committees.
Amollo's move to draft a repeal bill reflects widespread confusion over the bill's status post-presidential referral. Wetangula's assertion that the bill isn't automatically enacted after 14 days without presidential assent seeks to clarify legal misinterpretations.
As Nairobi braces for parliamentary deliberations post-recess on July 23, the Finance and National Planning Committee faces a daunting task. The aftermath of the bill's passage, marred by violence and conflicting casualty reports, underscores the nation's political volatility and the urgent need for legislative clarity.
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