The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Member of Parliament for Githunguri, continues to express skepticism about the direction of the country, despite President William Ruto’s assurances of economic stability.
The outspoken legislator from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) reiterated her criticism of the ruling party on Monday, January 29, suggesting that Ruto had lost touch with the nation’s challenges.
Pointing to the ongoing depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar and the escalating cost of living, Wamuchomba questioned the effectiveness of Ruto’s economic plan.
“With the Kenyan currency plummeting to 167 against the US dollar and the unbearable cost of living, electricity, and production, we must ask ourselves, how long will we keep planning and arranging?” the MP questioned in a social media post.
Wamuchomba is among the parliamentarians in the 13th Parliament who have openly expressed concerns about the country’s economic direction. She has become a prominent critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, which she once supported about 17 months ago.
Her dissenting voice was first heard in June last year when she strongly opposed the Finance Bill, 2023, describing it as ‘punitive, oppressive, and scandalous.’ She objected to proposals to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel to 16 per cent and introduce a housing levy.
Despite opposition from Wamuchomba and other like-minded members, the Bill was eventually passed.
In a recent interview, Wamuchomba defended her stance on the Finance Bill, accusing Ruto of being indifferent to the needs of the ordinary citizens who supported him.
“When I reviewed the Finance Bill, I felt that the Kenya Kwanza government was ignoring the needs of its supporters, the people who resonated with my story and gave me their votes,” she explained.
“I decided to take a stand against certain issues, including the fuel levy. Having served in the previous Parliament, I know the impact even an eight per cent levy had on us, let alone a 16 per cent one.”
