House to consider Ruto's memo after recess, Wetangula says

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula will not be calling for a special sitting to consider President William Ruto’s reservations and recommendations on the Finance Bill 2024 contrary to public expectation.

Wetang'ula, who acknowledged receiving the President’s memorandum on the Finance Bill, said the matter will be considered by the House once it resumes from recess.

The implications is that the earliest time the House can consider the President’s recommendations is on July 23 when the National Assembly resumes sittings from short recess.

“In accordance with Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, the President, vide a Memorandum dated 26th June 2024, referred the Finance Bill, 2024 back to the National Assembly for reconsideration with reservations recommending deletion of all clauses of the Bill…the President's Memorandum constitutes a rejection of the bill in its entirety; and the decision is informed by the need to reflect the voice of the people of Kenya who have rejected the Bill,”reads the Speakers notification.

Wetang'ula also proceeded to refer the memorandum from the President to the Departmental Committee on Finance which is expected to consider pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(2) and (3).