In a statement on Thursday, June 27, 2027, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang’ula outlined the next steps after President William Ruto, bowing to public pressure, refused to sign the Finance Bill 2024 and sent it back to Parliament for reconsideration.
Wetang’ula noted that the Bill had successfully navigated all parliamentary procedures and was awaiting the President’s signature. However, due to overwhelming public demand, President Ruto returned the Bill to Parliament, recommending the deletion of all its clauses.
Citing Article 115(4)(a) of the Constitution, Wetang’ula emphasized that any Member of Parliament wishing to reinstate any clause in the rejected Bill must secure the support of at least two-thirds of the lawmakers, equivalent to 233 members.
“Aware that, in accordance with Article 115(4)(a) of the Constitution, any Member desirous of negating the President’s reservations or reviving any of the 69 Clauses of the Bill is required to marshal the votes of at least two-thirds of the Members of the National Assembly,” Wetang’ula clarified.
Wetang’ula also informed the nation that he had referred President Ruto’s memorandum to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. He directed the Committee to review the President’s reservations and submit a report when Parliament reconvenes after its recess.
“That, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(2) and (3), I hereby refer the President’s Memorandum of Referral in respect of the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024) to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. That, the Committee is required to expeditiously commence consideration of the President’s Memorandum, its reservations and recommendation, and report to the House at the next regular sitting upon its resumption,” Wetang’ula stated.
He also tasked the Clerk of the National Assembly with notifying all MPs and facilitating the Committee’s review process. The Clerk will prepare the necessary communication for formal conveyance to the House upon its resumption.
Kenyans will learn the fate of the Finance Bill 2024 when Parliament resumes on July 22, 2024.
