Eddie Butita Draws Criticism from Kenyans After Appearing Indecisive on Finance Bill Debate
As Kenyans from all walks of life, including celebrities and politicians, took harsh stands on the Bill, with many outrightly denouncing it and expressing open support for the 'Occupy Parliament' protests, Butita also attempted to wade into the field - but failed to inspire support.
At first, Butita, who last month accompanied President William Ruto on his historic US State visit, shared his feelings on the Bill, saying that he had 'raised' some issues concerning the Bill and that he was confident action 'would be taken'.
"As a responsible citizen, I have raised some issues on the Finance bill, especially touching on the creative economy," he wrote.
"I have engaged both formally and informally and I am confident action will be taken. That said creatives are not opposed to paying taxes, we are just asking for a harmonized approach."
Many who interacted with the sentiments pointed out how politically-correct and equivocal it sounded. Others also criticised him for the ambiguity, pressuring him to clearly state his stand and denounce the Bill as everyone else was doing.
X personality Wesley Kibande simply asked him, "So, Yes or No?"
Someone else said, "Have a stand! It's either a Yes or No. Kizungu mingi peleka Busia!"
Also agreeing was Brenda Wanjiku who succinctly said, "This is fence-sitting. It's either Yes or No. What do you mean by harmonized approach? Stop the NGO talk and address the matters directly! It's either that or you're in bed with the oppressor!"
As the pressure continued to mount, it appeared Butita was bent on clearing up the fence-sitter allegations by making yet another tweet which, unfortunately, only served to buttress the earlier claims leveled against him.
This time, a cornered Butita simply tweeted, "Article 37...." leaving it for open interpretation.
Yet again, the attacks poured in with many questioning why he didn't just go ahead and clearly state what that particular article states.
One unimpressed fan wrote, "Article 37: Everybody has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities... But huwezi sema hivyo coz wamekupromise utaenda kupiga comedy huko California. Tuone nani atakuwa anacheka hizo jokes zako..."
Someone else asked, "So what about Article 37? Why leave it at that? Why not also add what it says? Mr. Comedian, NO one will be spared by Ruto's harsh policies! Not even you!"
As the activism pressure continues to gather steam online, several other public figures have been asked to either clearly state their stand or just shut up about the matter.
For some reason, even DJ Joe Mfalme faced some tough resistance from unimpressed fans after tweeting the hashtag, '#RejectFinanceBill2024'.
Mfalme, however, engaged his detractors in an extensive back and forth before appearing to abandon the fight altogether.
Tuesday morning, online personality Andrew Kibe too was blasted by fans after appearing to show support for the Finance Bill in an X space he hosted on Monday night titled 'Finance Bill 2024 Debate'.
