Ichung’wah Claims Gachagua Preempted Finance Bill 2024 Ahead of Ruto

Criticism against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has surged to a crescendo, amid allegations of his substantial involvement in shaping the contentious Finance Bill 2024 even before it reached the Cabinet.

The revelation has exacerbated the fallout, with Gachagua’s role emerging as a focal point in the escalating political turmoil. His isolation in the aftermath of the Finance Bill debacle has been pronounced.

The backlash has been further fueled by Gachagua’s controversial remarks regarding the fatalities linked to protests against the Finance Bill, where he described the deaths as “collateral.”

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah have squarely pointed fingers at Gachagua, alleging that he reviewed the controversial proposals ahead of President William Ruto. Their accusations depict Gachagua not as a bystander but as a pivotal figure in the bill’s progression.

President Ruto has borne the brunt of public outrage, with demands for his resignation echoing through protests. However, in a candid interview with Inooro TV, Ichung’wah spared no criticism for Gachagua. The Deputy President, previously shielded from full public censure, now finds himself squarely in the spotlight.

“DP Gachagua chairs Cabinet sub-committees, and he chaired the initial meeting that deliberated on the 2024 Finance Bill,” Ichung’wah asserted, leaving little doubt about Gachagua’s involvement.

Moses Kuria took to social media to lambast Gachagua for his leadership roles across critical government councils and committees, including the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC).

“He sits in the National Security Council yet blames the Director of the National Intelligence Service. It was bad enough to have a President who abstains from alcohol,” Kuria added, underscoring his concerns about government dysfunction.

As protests rage on, Ichung’wah, once a staunch supporter of the Finance Bill, has dramatically shifted his stance. Under pressure from his constituents, he conceded, “As a government, we have failed to effectively communicate our initiatives to our citizens, including farmers and parents.”

Nevertheless, he remained steadfast against claims that Parliament is subservient to the Executive, asserting, “If leaders were not attentive, the Bill would have passed with taxes on bread and vehicles. We listened to Kenyans and removed those provisions.”

Internal divisions within President Ruto’s party have widened, with leaders openly expressing discontent over Gachagua’s recent criticisms of National Intelligence Service Director Noordin Haji.

Gachagua has accused Haji of neglecting to provide crucial insights into public sentiment, particularly regarding the Finance Bill.

The aftermath of the Finance Bill 2024 continues to unsettle Kenya’s political landscape, with Deputy President Gachagua at the heart of the storm. As rifts within the ruling party deepen, uncertainties loom over the futures of both Gachagua and Ruto amidst discussions of recalling MPs who supported the Finance Bill.