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Disconnected from the People

Kenya's Parliament Passes Punitive Finance Bill Ignoring Public Outcry

By Frank OdhiamboPublished 11 months ago 5 min read
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Ruto: I'm waiting to see any MP voting against Finance Bill

In a blatant display of detachment from the concerns of their constituents, the members of parliament have once again chosen to disregard the voice of the people they were elected to represent. Pushing through a punitive finance bill not only disregards the cries of the people but also exacerbates the challenges posed by the soaring cost of living. This decision, which comes just days after stern warnings by the president, raises questions about the true priorities of our elected representatives. It is disheartening to witness the disconnect between those in power and the struggles faced by ordinary citizens, as they prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the people they were elected to serve. It stands as a clear testament to their indifference towards the cries and needs of the public. It is disheartening to witness our supposed representatives ignore the very essence of democracy and prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the people they are meant to serve.

The Cry for Relief

The high cost of living has become an ever-increasing burden for the majority of the population. From skyrocketing food, power and fuel prices to exorbitant healthcare expenses, newly imposed housing deductions for the salaried and employers; ordinary citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The people's cries for relief and support have grown louder, yet our representatives have chosen to turn a blind eye to the pleas.

Neglecting the Voice of the People

The purpose of democratic governance is to ensure that the people have a say in shaping policies that affect their lives. However, the recent passage of the finance bill highlights a disturbing trend in our political system. Despite widespread public outcry, our representatives have chosen to turn a deaf ear to the concerns and grievances of their constituents. this is a significant blow to the hopes of those seeking relief from their financial struggles. Instead of offering solutions to alleviate the burden of rising living costs, our parliamentarians have chosen to impose punitive measures that further exacerbate the challenges faced by the people.

Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue with the public, our elected officials have hidden behind closed doors, shielding themselves from the reality of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. By failing to address the pressing issues raised by the people, they have effectively turned their backs on the very principles of representative democracy.

Punitive Measures: Ignoring the Human Impact

The punitive nature of the finance bill is further evidence of the disregard shown by members of parliament towards the plight of the people. This bill, which introduces harsh economic measures and increased taxes, fails to consider the burden it places on already struggling individuals and families. It blatantly ignores the cries of those who are barely making ends meet and exacerbates the inequalities that plague our society.

Instead of fostering an environment that nurtures growth and prosperity for all, this finance bill only perpetuates the suffering of the most vulnerable in our society. By prioritizing the interests of a few over the needs of the many, our elected representatives have shown a complete lack of empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. An unjust burden on ordinary citizens who are already stretched thin financially and a slap in the face to those who are striving to provide for their families and make a decent living.

Democracy in Crisis

The passing of this punitive finance bill serves as a wake-up call to the state of our democracy. When elected officials choose to disregard the voices of the people, it not only erodes trust in the political system but also undermines the very foundation of our society. The decision-making process should be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in the concerns of the public. Regrettably, the actions of our parliamentarians have proven otherwise.

The President's Warnings: An Excuse for Negligence?

The recent warnings issued by the president may have set an atmosphere of caution and concern, but they cannot serve as an excuse for our representatives to neglect the pressing needs of the people. While it is important to address the country's financial challenges, it should never come at the expense of the citizens' well-being.

The passing of this punitive finance bill suggests that our elected officials prioritize preserving their own political interests over responding to the urgent needs of the people. It indicates a lack of genuine empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of economic hardships on a daily basis.

Demanding Accountability and Change

It is crucial for the public to hold their representatives accountable for their decisions and demand a change in their approach to governance. The cries of the people must not go unheard, and the needs of the citizens should be at the forefront of policy-making processes.

Our elected officials must remember that they are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the interests of the people. They should actively engage with their constituents, listen to their concerns, and work towards implementing policies that alleviate the burden of the high cost of living. Only through a genuine commitment to serving the public can our democracy regain its integrity and effectively address the pressing challenges we face.

The way forward is not through the imposition of punitive measures, but rather through genuine dialogue and collaboration between the government and the people. Our representatives must be held accountable for their actions and reminded that they serve as public servants, entrusted with the responsibility of advancing the welfare of the nation.

Conclusion

The passage of a punitive finance bill, despite overwhelming public opposition, showcases the disconnect between our elected officials and the people they represent. The deafening silence in response to the cries of the people speaks volumes about the state of our democracy. It is crucial that we hold our representatives accountable and demand a political system that is truly representative of the will and needs of the people. Only then can we hope to restore faith in our democracy and ensure a brighter future for all.

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About the Creator

Frank Odhiambo

Frank Odhiambo is a seasoned and passionate writer renowned for his compelling and thought-provoking pieces. Global award winner for "Voice of reason" He has established himself as a prominent voice in the world of authors and writers.

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  • Asif Ali11 months ago

    wao

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