Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili has revealed why he wasn’t in Parliament on Wednesday evening during the voting of the proposed Finance Bill, 2023.
In a video that he shared on his social media accounts, Babu said he was preparing for his court case.
“I was not present today (Wednesday) in Parliament because my case has been scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) in court for defense hearing and I was with my lawyer,” he said.
The ODM MP, however, said he was in Parliament in the morning and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had said voting will take place next week.
As a result, he had already consulted with Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi whom he disclosed that he had to prepare for his court case.
“It was only much later when I realised that the Speaker changed his mind and voting was to take place today. That is why even other MPs were not present because the Speaker changed from what he had earlier communicated. Many members were missing because they knew voting was next week,” Babu explained.
The second term MP made it clear that he was against the Finance Bill and could not support it even if his party leader could have said so.
“This bill is one which is punishing Kenyans and I cannot support it. Even If baba told me to support it, I wouldn’t because of my loyalty to Kenyans. So I’m so sorry I wasn’t present because of my court situation,” Babu added.
Members of Parliament on Wednesday voted in favour of the Finance Bill 2023, paving the way for its determination by the committee of the whole House.
It followed an intense debate in Parliament to discuss the proposed tax measures which 176 MPs voted to endorse at the second reading stage while 81 MPs out of 257 opposed.
The Bill moved to the committee of the whole House where members will have a chance to push through their amendments.
The Committee will consider the Bill clause by clause and take a vote on each of the clauses.
