SUPKEM lauds Ruto for rejecting Finance Bill

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has lauded President William Ruto for his rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024.

In a statement on Wednesday, SUPKEM National Chairman Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado stated that Ruto's choice to honour the concerns of Kenyans and withdraw the controversial Bill will contribute to reducing the current political tensions in the country.

"We have received the information removal of the Bill with relief, hope and promise because it has helped to cool down the political tensions that had threatened to hurtle the entire country to the brink of the precipice," he said.

The Chairman further commended the Head of State for choosing statesmanship over political brinkmanship by declining to assent to the Bill.

"We are particularly encouraged by the President's acknowledgement that as much as he presides over a government, he also governs human beings," he said.

The council leader also expressed gratitude for Ruto's invitation to all stakeholders to unite and engage in discussions to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

In his message of condolence to the bereaved families, Naado stated that the deaths and injuries could have been avoided if the leaders had addressed their grievances.

"Regrettably, we have lost the lives of young souls and we wish a quick recovery to those who are recuperating in various hospitals," he said.

Hassan also noted that the youth protest should be an awakening call to the government and leaders that there is a need for them to address their issues and not ignore them.

"It is a time bomb, we fail to consider them in any undertaking being done by the government," he said.

President William Ruto addresses the media at State House, Nairobi on June 26, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

The council's sentiments come after President Ruto in his address to the nation on Wednesday, proposed an engagement with young people so that they can listen to their issues and agree with them on their priority areas of concern.

"We also propose that within the next 14 days, a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder engagement be held to chart the way forward on matters relating to the content of the bill as well as auxiliary issues raised in recent days on the need for austerity measures and strengthening our fight against corruption," Ruto said.

Addressing the nation earlier on Wednesday at State House Nairobi, President Ruto announced he had declined to assent to the Bill.

"Having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly they don't want anything to do with this Finance Bill, 2024.

"I concede and therefore I will not sign the Finance 2024, Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn and I have agreed with these members that this becomes our collective position," Ruto said.

Later in the evening, President Ruto formally communicated to the National Assembly to delete all clauses of the Finance Bill, 2024.

This comes shortly after he rejected to assent to the Finance Bill, saying that he heard the cry of citizens who were urging him to drop the bill.

"In exercise of the powers conferred to me by Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, and having reservations on the content of the Bill in its entirety, I decline to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024, and refer the bill for reconsideration by the National Assembly with the recommendation for deletion of the clauses thereof," reads the memorandum in part.

This means the Bill has been withdrawn, and now it can only be reinstated if at least two-thirds of the 349 MPs (which is 233 MPs) vote to overturn the decision.