Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi has revealed that seven law firms allegedly took Ksh4 billion in advice fees from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The monies were purportedly disbursed during the Supreme Court's 2022 presidential election petition hearing.
MP Koimburi, one of the 115 legislators who opposed the Finance Bill 2024, claimed he was promised Ksh2 million to vote in favor of it. However, he flatly declined the offer, emphasizing his undying loyalty to the folks who elected him. "We were offered money, and you saw how they brought it in sacks. "We would receive Ksh2 million for every 'yes' vote," Koimburi stated during a speech at the AIPCA Ndururumo Church in Juja constituency.
Koimburi's refusal highlights the ethical quandary that politicians face when their conscience clashes with financial motivations. His resolve to emphasize public welfare over personal wealth has resonated with many Kenyans who are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the political system's corruption. The IEBC, which oversees Kenyan elections, reportedly paid a total of Ksh502.3 million to 28 law firms that represented it in the 2022 presidential election lawsuit. These legal fees have raised eyebrows, particularly given the large sum involved. The openness and accountability of such payments are still under question.
In response to the Finance Bill 2024, young Kenyans protested for the second time. The law includes many tax increases and economic initiatives that critics say will burden average individuals. Protests began in Nairobi's downtown area and swiftly extended to other major cities and towns, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Kakamega, Nakuru, and Eldoret. The youth's outrage is evident, and their concerns about the bill's implications for their future are justified. MP Koimburi has given a harsh warning to the administration, emphasizing that approving the Finance Bill could have serious consequences. "If this bill passes, the youth may burn the country,"