A group of Bondo Sub-County residents protests after their MP backs the Finance Bill 2024. IMAGE | X
In Summary:
- Residents in Bondo and Msambweni demand explanations from their MPs for voting ‘Yes’ on the Finance Bill 2024.
- Protesters carry a coffin labeled ‘#RejectFinanceBill2024’ to express their anger.
There was drama on Friday as residents of Bondo and Msambweni Constituencies marched to their respective Members of Parliament offices, demanding explanations for their votes during Thursday’s Finance Bill 2024 debate in Parliament.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda and his Msambweni counterpart Feisal Bader supported the controversial Finance Bill 2024, a decision that outraged their constituents.
Residents questioned who had instructed their representatives to vote ‘YES.’
In Bondo, angry residents carried a coffin and chanted “Ochanda must go” and “Rest in Peace Ochanda” outside the MP’s office.
A video widely shared on social media showed residents demanding to be addressed while placing the coffin, inscribed with #RejectFinanceBill2024, outside the door.
Similarly, a group of youth in Msambweni, Kwale County, visited their MP’s office seeking answers about his support for the Bill.
They questioned whom he claimed to represent. A viral video depicted the youth protesting outside the heavily guarded office, where armed officers stood watch as they waited for the legislator to address them.
Msambweni residents hold protests outside the Sub-County CDF Offices. IMAGE | X
On Thursday, the contentious Bill passed its Second Reading in the National Assembly, with 204 Members of Parliament voting in favor and 115 voting against it.
The vote occurred amid heavy police blockades that prevented demonstrators from reaching Parliament.