Ruto blames 'propaganda and rumours' for Finance Bill 2024 downfall

Speaking at a roadside rally in Taita Taveta on Sunday, Ruto said that the contention was all "propaganda and rumours" from a few quotas, arguing that the unbearable tax proposing Bill had positive proposals to improve the lives of Kenyans.

He cited an example of a proposal that would allow residents of Bura and Mgange areas gain access to water and electricity but it was thwarted after the Bill was shot down.

"Nilikuwa nimeweka the budget lakini ikaletewa kizungumkuti ikaenda segemnege. Wengine wakapiga NO hio kitu yote ikapotea sasa imerudi niende nifanye ukarabati ingine. Unaona vile hawa watu wananitesa, wananisumbua," said Ruto hinting at introducing a revised Bill.

"Na ni fitina tupu, ooh sijui imewekwa mambo ya cancer, sijui imewekwa nini ya mashamba na yote ni porojo na uongo lakini ya mungu ni mengi." 

The Head of State went on to add that he has embraced the changes experienced in his government, noting that they have made room for creating better reforms in his leadership.

"I have accepted that what has happened has given us a chance to build a better Kenya. The government I have created now is a government of uniting all Kenyans," he said.

"I have created a cabinet that will bring all Kenyan communities together and it will unite us all to allow us to deal with addressing matters affecting the nation together."

Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill amid public upheaval after Kenyans took to the streets demanding its rejection.

Consequently, the National Assembly, in a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday, voted in agreement Ruto's reservations and recommendations to delete all clauses of the Bill.

No provision contained in the Bill has a legal effect.