Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi's allegations on MPs being offered Ksh2 million to vote in favour of the Finance Bill 2024 has sparked debate.

The MP on Sunday revealed that each MP who voted yes in favour of the bill offered millions. However, he emphasised that he did not accept the offer and voted against the bill. 

"I refused to sell the people who elected me. That's why I voted No to reject that bill which I believe will harm Kenyans," he added.

He alleged that the money set to be given to the MPs was being carried in sacks and if an MP voted yes last Tuesday, they would be offered the money. The MP however did not give the specifics on who was distributing the funds.

The lawmaker asked the President not to sign into law the controversial bill if it is approved by Parliament. He added that the consequences of enacting it would be dire especially due to Kenyans' frustration with the government.

Koimburi is among the 115 MPs who voted against the MPs against the 204 others who voted to progress the bill. 

After his allegations went viral, Kenyans have come further to accuse their respective MPs of betraying them and placing their greed ahead of the needs of Kenyans.

Additionally, a section of Kenyans emphasised that it was possible that the MPs who voted yes had yet to read the bill and did not know its effect on Kenyans.

"The government spent Ksh408 million to bribe members of parliament to vote yes. This is budgeted corruption, treacherous traitors. We lost Ksh408 million in one day," one activist lamented.

Kenyans have called out the MPs who are in favour of the bill accusing them of failing to honour their Constitutional mandate.   

Ekuru Aukot, the Thirdway Alliance Party leader while reacting to the claims added that Koimburi's revelation had vindicated him. Aukot had also opined that some politicians had been bribed to pass the controversial bill.

"So MPs betrayed their voters for the Ksh2 million and the state spent Ksh408 million to bribe MPs to do its dirty work. It's just sad," he stated.

Notably, demonstrations are ongoing to ensure the lawmakers do not pass the Finance Bill 2024 set to increase taxes leading to a high cost of living. By Maureen Njeri, Kenyans.co.ke