Wetang’ula detailed President William Ruto’s decision to reject the bill and returned it with a detailed memorandum rejecting all its provisions.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has revealed that the controversial Finance Bill 2024 will be the point of focus during parliamentary proceedings when the House reconvenes on Tuesday, July 23 after a three-week recess.
Speaking to the press on Monday, July 22, Wetang’ula detailed President William Ruto’s decision to reject the bill and returned it with a detailed memorandum rejecting all its provisions.
That memorandum, the speaker added, along with the rejection, will be considered by the House, noting that the MPs will have to vote on it with a choice to either uphold the President’s decision or to overturn it.
“As you are aware, the President declined to assent to the Finance Bill 2024 and sent back with a memorandum indicating he had rejected all clauses of the bill. The memorandum and rejection will be part of the business of the House.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has announced that MPs will vote on the Finance Bill, 2024.#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/PblMigy5DX
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) July 22, 2024
“Under our standing orders, when the President sends a memorandum of that nature, any member who wants to overturn it must garner two-thirds of the House votes,” stated Wetangula.
The Speaker however clarified that the bill does not automatically take effect within 14 days if rejected as reported by sections of the media. Previous media reports had earlier claimed that the provisions of the bill would automatically take effect in 14 days if Parliament did not debate its withdrawal by the President.
Additionally, Wetangula clarified that journalists were not banned from the Parliamentary precincts as earlier alleged, adding that the media precincts would be relocated to another area of the parliament grounds when the construction of an ultra-modern media centre within Parliament Square is complete.
“I have been seeing in the media, allegations that any restriction on the media coming to Parliament. Nothing is far from the truth and the testimony is that you are being here before me and that you have come to Parliament to do your work,” he said.
Wetangula On 6 Recalled Ruto CSs
Wetangula also spoke on the six Cabinet Secretaries retained by President Ruto, stating that they will be vetted and allowed to hold public office. He explained that they were dismissed and were not accused of any wrongdoing.
“If you read the law properly and the constitution, the persons who cannot occupy public offices are those who have been removed from office on account of violation of chapter 6 provisions of the Constitution,” said Wetang’ula.
He added,” These Cabinet Secretaries were simply dismissed there was no allegation of any wrongdoing against them, they just went with everybody. They can be given an opportunity to come back. The history of this country will tell you there are many people who were removed from office and went back.”
At the same time, Wetang’ula said he is yet to receive communication from the executive regarding the nomination of the CSs, a matter which would have kickstarted the vetting process in earnest.
“The clock will start ticking when I receive communication from the executive, so far I have not received any communication. If we receive the information from the executive today or tomorrow we will publish the names to the public as required by the law. The public will be given an opportunity to send in memorandums and objections and we will then thereafter set a date for the vetting,” Wetang’ula stated.
The 11 Cabinet Secretaries nominated by President William Ruto on July 19, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE