Ichung’wah Drops Bombshell: “We Quietly Passed 97% of Finance Bill 2024 in December
In a stunning revelation, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah admitted that Parliament passed 97% of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 quietly—just five months after deadly Gen Z-led protests halted it.
While addressing congregants during a service at PCEA Kikuyu Church on Sunday, June 22, Ichung’wah made a confession that shocked many Kenyans.
“We tried to enlighten them, but they did not listen to us,” Ichung’wah began.
“Finally, we decided not to pass it until people cooled down.”
Bill Passed in December—Without the Bloodshed
Ichung’wah disclosed that while the public was still recovering from the traumatic protests of June 25, 2024, Parliament took a strategic move in December.
“On June 25, we decided not to sign it in,” he said.
“On December 4, 2024, everything in the finance bill was passed quietly, without any deaths or throwing stones, until 97% of it passed.”
Only 3% of the bill was rejected, and that came from amendments made before the public campaign of “Don’t Amend, Reject” gained momentum.
“Kenyans Were Lied To” – Ichung’wah Claims
He claimed Kenyans were misled by widespread social media campaigns.
“Most people believed propaganda. People said we were taxing diapers and sanitary towels,” he explained.
“But we were only targeting imported ones. Locally made ones were exempted.”
He insisted this move would boost local industries and create more youth jobs—a major government goal.
Revenue Surges to KSh187 Billion
Despite the earlier rejection, Ichung’wah said that once implemented, the Finance Bill significantly increased government revenue.
“By May, we had collected KSh187 billion in tax,” he announced.
“We’ve now revived many stalled development projects.”
The initial delay cost the government dearly—losing at least KSh160 billion between June and December. Originally, the bill aimed to raise KSh346 billion by June 2025.
Ruto Signed Seven Bills in December
President William Ruto eventually assented to seven bills—including the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill—on December 13, 2024.
Changes included:
- PAYE tax band adjustments
- Removal of the 5% infrastructure bond tax
- Scrapping plans to raise internet and phone taxes to 20%
These were aimed at supporting online jobs and easing the economic burden on young Kenyans.
What’s Next for Kenyans?
While calm returned after last year’s protests, Ichung’wah’s revelation has sparked fresh outrage and renewed debates on transparency and public trust in government.
“We passed it for Kenyans’ own good,” he concluded.
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Ichung’wah Drops Bombshell: “We Quietly Passed 97% of Finance Bill 2024 in December
