Finance Bill: Kindiki Warns Raila Over Threats To Resume Protests

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Sunday, June 11 revealed that his Ministry is prepared to deal with any demonstrations called over the proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2023.

Speaking during a church service at Marimanti Methodist Church in Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki called for differences in opinion and persuasion to be resolved peacefully and using relevant institutions in order to uphold Kenya's status as a democratic nation that respects the plurality of opinions and views on political, economic, and social matters.

He called upon MPs from all political sides, including from the Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions, to handle matters concerning the Bill within the confines of Parliament.

The CS further called upon other stakeholders that include party principals to make use of the Judiciary if they are displeased with the outcome of the debate on the Finance Bill.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki (centre) during a Sunday service at Methodist Church of Kenya, Marimanti in Tharaka Nithi County on June 11, 2023. /FACEBOOK.KITHURE KINDIKI

He warned against the destruction of property during the protests, noting that the government will not hesitate to use the necessary instruments to uphold the rule of law.

"On the ongoing conversation over the Finance Bill 2023, the Government will provide the necessary security support to those who wish to air their grievances and views peaceably. Any form of lawlessness, including disruption of businesses, destruction of public and private property, and looting, will be not be allowed. 

"MPs from Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the opposition should use their legislative mandate to determine the fate of the Finance Bill 2023. Any person aggrieved by the parliamentary outcome should use other institutions, such as the Judiciary to contest the decision(s)," he stated.

On the other hand, Kindiki underscored that the government recognises and acknowledges the critical role played by religious organisations in nourishing the souls of the faithful and partnership in providing key services such as education, health, and water, among others. 

"The Government will not relent in flushing out crooks and criminals hiding behind religion and using scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers," he reiterated.

Kindiki had joined Christians at the Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK) in Marimanti Town for a Sunday Service.

His sentiments come after Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, on Thursday, June 8 issued 10 demands to President William Ruto, including issuing an apology to Kenyans over the controversial Finance Bill.

“We ask Ruto to humble himself, withdraw this bill, offer an apology, and seek forgiveness from Kenyans for the anxiety caused and begin afresh,” said Raila.

He further instructed Azimio MPs to make sure that the Finance Bill doesn't make it through Parliament, vowing the return of nationwide protests should it be passed.

"Should Ruto overrun the National Assembly, we will regroup and overrun him in the wider National Assembly of the whole people of Kenya," Raila threatened.

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, on Saturday, June 10 revealed that Members of Parliament (MP) will vote for or against the Finance Bill 2023 on a 'clause by clause' basis and not the whole document.

The National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee is slated to table the Finance Bill 2023 on Tuesday, June 13, in Parliament.