National Assembly Majority Whip, Silvanus Osoro, has dismissed allegations that he bribed Azimio MPs to abstain from voting on the Finance Act, 2023. In an interview with Citizen TV, Osoro clarified that his previous remarks about having a "bowl of soup" with opposition MPs were misconstrued.
He explained that during the lengthy voting process, he suggested taking a break to have a meal together, with each member responsible for their own expenses. Osoro emphasized that no compromises were made and expressed confidence in the Act's successful passage, citing the government's numerical advantage over the opposition.
As the Majority Whip, Osoro played a significant role in supporting and advocating for the Finance Act. He stated that even before the bill was brought to the House, he was convinced that the government would not lose. He urged fellow members to vote in favor of the Act, emphasizing his unwavering belief in its importance and alignment with the government's vision.
The Finance Act, 2023 consisted of 87 proposed amendments, several of which were debated and approved by the National Assembly last month. Among the notable proposals was the increase of value-added tax on fuel from 8 percent to 16 percent. During the voting, 184 MPs from Kenya Kwanza supported the bill, while 88 MPs from Azimio opposed the amendment.
Despite President William Ruto's assent to the Finance Act on June 26, the implementation of the Act has been temporarily suspended pending a court decision. The Treasury Cabinet Secretary, through lawyer Githu Muigai, has requested the court to set aside the suspension orders.
In a separate development, former Majority Leader Aden Duale has criticized the signature collection campaign by Azimio, claiming that it holds no constitutional significance. Duale argued that the collection of signatures is merely a political move without any legal bearing.
In conclusion, Silvanus Osoro's denial of bribery allegations during the voting on the Finance Act, 2023 provides clarity and dispels any misunderstandings regarding his earlier remarks. The Act, which includes several amendments, has faced temporary suspension pending a court ruling. The ongoing political dynamics surrounding the Act and the Azimio signature collection campaign continue to shape the political landscape in Kenya.
