DP Gachagua Denies Bribing MPs to Vote on Contentious Finance Bill 2024

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has staunchly rejected claims that the Kenya Kwanza government bribed Members of Parliament with Ksh2 million each to secure their votes for the contentious Finance Bill 2024.

Addressing a gathering at a church fundraising event in Maragua constituency, Murang’a county on Saturday, June 29, Gachagua vehemently defended the legislators, who have faced significant backlash from their constituents for supporting the bill.

Gachagua emphatically declared, “I want to confirm as the Deputy President and as the Deputy Party Leader of UDA, we did not give out Ksh2 million for them to vote for the Finance Bill.”

205 MPs voted in favour of the Bill, allowing it to advance to the Second Reading. The Bill then progressed smoothly to the Third Reading, effectively passing and now awaiting only President William Ruto’s signature to become law.

Despite largely escaping public criticism himself, Gachagua stood firm in support of the MPs, asserting that they have learned from their mistakes and will not repeat them. His remarks came amidst a storm of accusations that MPs were bribed to ensure the bill progressed to the Second Reading.

Leaked WhatsApp messages earlier this week suggested that some MPs were demanding the remainder of the alleged bribes, claiming they had only received Ksh100,000—a mere fraction of the purported Ksh2 million.

The claims emerged from Juja MP George Koimburi on Sunday, June 23, who stated that legislators were indeed offered Ksh2 million each to vote in favour of the Finance Bill.

Koimburi, one of the 114 MPs who voted against the bill, alleged that the bribes were intended to secure the legislation’s passage, which has been met with widespread condemnation amid a rising cost of living.

Speaking at the AIPCA Ndururumo Church in Juja constituency, Koimburi revealed that he rejected the bribe and opposed the bill, asserting his firm stance against the proposed legislation.

“We were offered money… you saw how they carried money in sacks,” Koimburi told congregants. “We were told that for every yes vote, we would receive Ksh2 million.”

These allegations have ignited widespread fury among Kenyans, who have urged their representatives to reject the bill. The accusations have also heightened scrutiny of President William Ruto’s coalition.

Facing intense criticism, Gachagua launched a spirited defence on Saturday, refusing to bow to pressure from insiders calling for his resignation. He urged fairness and patience, reminding Kenyans that they would have another opportunity to elect their leaders in 2027.

“Let us be fair. Many of you may be disappointed. Won’t you have another opportunity to elect them in 2027? Give them time to work. Do not abuse them,” he pleaded. “Let us not abuse them, attack them and their property.”

In the wake of the bill’s passing, properties belonging to key figures such as Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Kimani Kuria and MP Jayne Kihara have been torched. The offices of Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah in Kikuyu were also set ablaze.