Siaya: Traders keep shops closed and join Finance Bill demos

In Bondo town, hundreds of youths took to the streets on Tuesday to demand for a total rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.

They crisscrossed the streets, carrying twigs, placards and the effigy of Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, whom they accused of betraying them. 

They rebuked the MP, who voted in favour of the bill during the second reading last week, arguing that he failed to represent their interests, adding that the Finance Bill has proposed punitive taxes. 

Julian Ochieng’, a university student leader, said, "Contrary to what some MPs have been saying, claiming that we don't understand the Finance Bill, we understand it. We have brains and are not stupid. We reject the Bill."

"We are not going to tire, nor will we allow ourselves to be intimidated."

Jack Mawere, a resident, said, "We condemn what is being done in Parliament. We do not accept the draconian Finance Bill. The President needs to listen to the voice of the people."

Last week, a section of youths marched to the MP's office, demanding answers as to why he voted in favour of the bill against their wishes. 

They carried along with them a coffin written #Reject Finance Bill 2024, which they placed outside the door of the MP's office.

The controversial Finance Bill 2024 was passed through Parliament during the Committee of the Whole House sitting on Tuesday.

The majority of MPs voted to adopt a report of the Whole House where the lawmakers approved the amendments to the Bill.

A total of 195 MPs voted in support of the Bill, while 106 voted to reject it. There were three spoilt votes.