What Happens When The Finance Bill is Withdrawn?

For the better part of last week, Kenya has been experiencing major demonstrations and protests steered by the young population of Kenyans dubbed GenZ’s. The movement is mainly pushed by the young generations of ages between 17 to 45 years.

The protests are thought to have been orchestrated through social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), by several influencers who now assert they do not lead the demonstrations.

The demos took another turn after the protesters decided to enter the parliament as a way of showing their dissatisfaction with the current government. Kenyans have since been waiting for the head of state to change his mind towards the controversial bill. However, the government made corrections and removed some of the tax imposed to the bill but that was not enough, the people wanted it REJECTED not Edited.

On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, history was made in Kenya as protesters stormed the parliament building in large numbers, despite a heavy police presence outside. On that day, Kenyans lost their lives as the president later termed the action as treason at the same time thanking the security officers for the efforts made to secure the parliament buildings.

According to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo, a president’s refusal to assent to a bill is part of the legislative process. The president can return the bill, stating that he will not sign it, and request its withdrawal. Once withdrawn, the bill is then moved to the floor of the House for withdrawal.

WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION SAY?

‘Constitutional right’“Once a Bill has gone to the President for assent he cannot withdraw it. He sends it back to Parliament for repeal on specific areas,” said Mr Imanyara. Alternatively, he said, the President should sign it and simultaneously publish a Bill for its repeal.

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