The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced that it will discipline four Members of Parliament who voted for the passage of the Finance Bill 2023 to its Third Reading.
The MPs who will be disciplined are:
- Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman Representative)
- Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo (Gem MP)
- Aden Adow Mohamed (Wajir South MP)
- Caroli Omondi (Suba South MP)
In a statement, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said that the party had received complaints from its members about the conduct of the MPs.
"The Party is in receipt of many complaints from its general membership regarding the conduct of its members of the National Assembly during yesterday's vote on the Finance Bill, 2023," Sifuna said.
"The Party has therefore commenced disciplinary proceedings against the members."
Sifuna said that the MPs would be given 48 hours to respond to the party's notice of disciplinary action.
"In line with the party's disciplinary rules, notices to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken have been issued to the said members," Sifuna said.
"They are expected to respond within the next 48 hours."
The Finance Bill 2023 was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, June 15. The bill was supported by the Kenya Kwanza coalition, while the Azimio la Umoja coalition opposed it.
The bill proposes a number of tax measures, including a 1.5% housing levy, a 16% tax on petroleum products, and a 10% tax on digital services.
Azimio la Umoja has argued that the tax measures will be too burdensome for Kenyans. The party has also said that the bill does not address the rising cost of living.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition has defended the bill, saying that it is necessary to raise revenue to fund its development agenda. The coalition has also said that the bill will create jobs and reduce the cost of living for Kenyans.
The disciplinary action by ODM is likely to further strain relations between the two coalitions ahead of the August 9 general election.