Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwour, known popularly as Jalang’o, and Embakasi MP Babu Owino are at loggerheads over the revised Finance Bill 2024, highlighting a significant rift within the political landscape.
Jalang’o, who sought political dalliance with President William Ruto after betraying Raila Odinga, is supporting the government’s amendments to the Finance Bill 2024 while Babu Owino rejects the controversial bill in totality.
The disagreement came to light on June 19, 2024, when Jalang’o took to his X account to share his views, following Babu Owino’s outright rejection of the bill. The two MPs were seen together during a parliamentary session, where they discussed the contentious legislation.
“Afternoon session Day 1, Dr and I dissected the bill in detail. He says total rejection and not amendments,” Jalang’o wrote, referring to Owino.
Despite Owino’s firm stance, Jalang’o advocated for a more measured approach, urging his colleague to consider the proposed amendments and engage in comprehensive debate before reaching a final decision.
“I am telling him to let us hear the amendments and debate first,” Jalang’o added.
Both MPs, who were elected on the ODM ticket, have received official instructions to oppose the bill, which is expected to raise the cost of living for many Kenyans.
The differing views of Jalang’o and Babu Owino underscore the internal divisions and debates within parliament regarding the bill’s far-reaching implications.
Jalang’o’s willingness to engage with the amendments contrasts sharply with Azimio Coalition and ODM’s stand on the complete rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.
This clash between Jalang’o and Babu Owino illustrates the broader tensions within the ODM party and the Kenyan political arena.
As MPs prepare to vote on the contentious Finance Bill today Thursday, June 20, tensions remain high as Occupy Parliament protesters seek to stage demos aimed at paralyzing business in the August House.
As the debate over the Finance Bill 2024 continues, it remains to be seen how these differing perspectives will influence the bill’s final outcome.
The internal rift within ODM and the broader implications for Kenyan politics underscore the high stakes and deep divisions surrounding this controversial legislation.
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