National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has chastised Members of Parliament for politicizing the national budget making process, reminding them of their integral role in its formulation and passage.

Speaking in the wake of public outcries on the Finance Bill 2024, Wetangula reminded MPs of their responsibility to work within the parliamentary system to address any issues rather than airing grievances publicly.

"You have had a one-month recess, and now it is time to focus on the national budget. You are the representatives who formulate and pass the budget in committees and the National Assembly," said Wetangula.

He was speaking at the funeral service of Mzee Yonah Namuli at Sanandiki village in Bungoma.

Speaker Wetangula emphasized that the time for complaints is over and that MPs must now focus on constructive solutions and collaboration.

"Please save the public the agony of coming to cry in public that the budget is bad yet you are the ones who pass it... Stay in parliament and do the right thing for the people of kenya. The public is counting on you because they voted for you," he said.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday urged MPs allied to the Azimio opposition coalition to reject the proposed Finance Bill 2024 when it is finally tabled in parliament, arguing that the proposed law is only meant to hurt Kenyans more.

Speaking at Azimio's Parliamentary Group meeting in Nairobi, Kalonzo said the bill, if implemented as it is, will adversely hurt ordinary Kenyans owing to the harsh tax proposals on key items. 

Kalonzo said the Kenya Kwanza administration will still ignore Kenyans' concerns and implement the Bill as it is just like they did to the Finance Bill 2023.

"We went to the streets. As a coalition, we are ready to go back to the streets if that is what it takes. And I hope you are bold enough to go and cause aggression on public participation," he added.