Emuhaya Member of Parliament (MP) Omboko Milemba, who doubles as Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) chairman, found himself in a tight fix when he revealed to his constituents that he supported the Finance Bill.
Milemba, who was in the company of KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori and other officials, graced the teachers' sports tournament on June 25, 2023, at a secondary school in Homa Bay where he was given the podium to speak.
Milemba was in high spirits after receiving the warm welcome from the teachers in attendance and with the same cheerful mood he introduced himself and announced that he voted affirmative for the Finance Bill 2023.
The teachers who were angered by Milemba's revelation started booing him.
Perhaps thinking that the teachers were just being dramatic to give the event a sense of entertainment, the bold MP ignored the teacher's booing and went ahead with his opening remarks, which were meant to pave the way for the final match.
The MP for Emuhaya went ahead to explain the role the Finance Bill would play in the development of the region and country in general.
He had not realized that his words would only add salt to the injury.
The teachers accused him of betraying them, by voting in the Finance Bill 2023, which has been a contentious issue that has sparked debate among Kenyans.
Milemba fueled the teachers' anger and within no time, they started throwing stones and other objects at him forcing him to exit the podium.
His colleague the KUPPET Secretary General went to his rescue and addressed the teachers, condemning their intolerant behaviour.
As the MP exited the podium, one of his bodyguards pulled out his pistol to ward off the teachers who kept throwing objects and stones at the MP.
Contentious Finance Bill
The Finance Bill 2023 is now a law, following the presidential assent that took place on Monday, June 26, 2023.
Most MPs endorsed the bill in its second reading in Parliament, voting for the specific sections during the third reading.
Some MPs like Babu Owino missed the second reading and accused the speaker of misleading the house, saying that he had announced that the voting would take place during the third reading, only for it to happen during the second reading.
A total of 176 MPs voted in favour of the bill and 81 voted against it, among the latter being Emuhaya Mp Milemba.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba strongly opposed the Finance Bill despite being a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Wamuchomba voted against the bill on its second reading and affirmed her stand during the third reading.
Wamuchomba had held a meeting with his constituents before the voting of the bill.
In a video that she shared on social media, the Githunguri MP is seen asking the residents whether she should vote for the Finance Bill.
The constituents strongly advised her to vote against the bill, a directive which she heeded during the parliamentary voting for the bill.
However, the move has landed her in hot soup with her party members and boss. Wamuchomba has made claims that the government is sidelining her over the bill's rejection.
Among the contentious issues in the Finance Bill were the housing levy and increased value-added tax on fuel.
As of now, the bill is now a law which all Kenyans will have to abide by.
