Githunguri MP Hits out at Government Over Shoddy Public Participation

“Over 95 per cent of the views from the public were ignored,” she pointed out.

The legislator said it is on record that the affordable housing scheme was opposed.

 

Gathoni said the government failed to abide by the wish of Kenyans on the proposed fuel levy in 2023.

 

“It’s petty to see the government fail to abide by proposals made by the public during public participation in the Finance Act 2023,” she added.

 

The Githunguri lawmaker argued that in case a similar thing happens again to the Finance Bill 2024 members of the public should challenge the government move in the corridors of justice.    

 

Gathoni asked the government to align itself with the constitution on matters of public participation.   

 

She further said she is very disappointed to see the opinion of the electorate is not respected.

 

“The government is being accused of failing to align itself with the constitution,” she disclosed.

 

The lawmaker argued leaders are elected and sworn in to be guided by the constitution.

 

Gathoni added it not worth it to be elected as leader and end up leading the electorate by force.

 

She pointed out the government can’t build affordable houses for Kenyans by force and take away their lands. 

 

Meanwhile, critics of the Financial Bill 2024 have been urged to be optimistic with the government process at public participation stage.

 

Bishop Pius Muiru of Maximum Miracle Centre said he is confident the government will abide by the views of the public through public participation stage.

 

He added that he hopes this year’s Financial Bill 2024 will be different from last year’s where views of members of public were ignored.

 

“Last year’s Bill went through the national assembly ignoring public participation,” he pointed out.

 

Bishop Muiru said he has seen the Kenya Kwanza administration coming out to assure Kenyans they will do everything possible to see the input from the public in this year’s Bill.

 

He was addressing journalists during the launch of New Life Complex along Mavueni – Kaloleni and Mariakani road in Kilifi County. He was flanked by Televangelist Ezekiel Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre who owns the facility.

 

Bishop Muiru urged members of the public to hope for the best from the government during this year’s Financial Bill 2024 process.

 

He dismissed claims the government is against members of the public hoping that all will be well at the end of the process.

 

“Let members of the public be optimistic in their views as they will be included in the Bill before the report is tabled at the floor of the national assembly before the Bill becomes an Act,” he said.

 

Speaking at the same ceremony Ezekiel said the opening of the facility will enhance economic activities in the area.

 

He added the creation of the facility will create employment opportunities for the local residents in the area.

 

“Apart from preaching I have resolved to come with facilities aimed at creating employment opportunities for the residents,” he pointed out.

 

The Televangelist urged religious leaders not to wait for the government to create employment opportunities.

 

Ezekiel told the media that as religious leaders spread the gospel they have a duty to assist the government of the day to create employment opportunities.

 

He defended the government’s role saying it is to create business opportunities and a conducive environment.

 

“Everybody has the duty to assist in enhancing and improving the country’s economy,” he pointed out.

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