In a fiery interview with Al Jazeera, National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro sharply criticized President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024, labeling the move as a capitulation to the demands of Kenya’s Generation Z. The bill, which proposed increased taxes on commodities, sparked widespread protests, primarily driven by the younger generation.
Osoro, a staunch supporter of the bill, did not mince words in his assessment of Ruto’s decision. He characterized the President’s withdrawal as an act of cowardice, suggesting that Ruto had allowed himself to be intimidated by a generation that, according to Osoro, lacks the power to unseat him outside of democratic elections.
“Ruto made a mistake in dropping the Finance Bill 2024,” Osoro asserted. “I maintain that I would vote in favor if the bill returns. Kenyans should understand that hashtags and protests won’t remove Ruto; the only effective way is through the ballot.”
Osoro’s critique goes beyond just the President’s reaction to the protests. He argued that the bill was essential for broadening Kenya’s tax base and reducing the country’s reliance on both local and foreign borrowing. By withdrawing the bill, Ruto, in Osoro’s view, missed a crucial opportunity to address Kenya’s fiscal challenges.
The South Mugirango MP also took the opportunity to rebuke the broader Kenyan populace, pointing out that the same public had previously approved reforms that expanded the number of government positions, leading to increased expenditure on salaries. This, he implied, was a significant contributor to the financial pressures that the Finance Bill 2024 aimed to alleviate.
Osoro’s regret over the situation was palpable as he reflected on the President’s recent reforms, which include ongoing government restructuring efforts. “Ruto’s decision was fundamentally wrong,” he lamented. “Not only did I vote yes, but I also rallied my colleagues as the Chief Whip of the National Assembly Majority to support it.”
The Chief Whip’s remarks highlight a growing divide within Kenya’s political landscape, where generational tensions and differing visions for the country’s economic future are becoming increasingly apparent. As the country navigates these complex issues, the interplay between political leadership and public sentiment will undoubtedly shape Kenya’s path forward.
Osoro’s pointed comments underscore the contentious nature of the Finance Bill 2024 and reflect broader debates about governance, economic policy, and the role of public protest in shaping political decisions. Whether Ruto’s decision to withdraw the bill will have lasting repercussions on his administration remains to be seen, but it is clear that the discourse surrounding this issue is far from over.