Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi has apologized for his claims that legislators who voted in support of the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024, were bribed.

MP Koimburi sensationally claimed that MPs were offered Ksh. 2 million to support the contentious law that triggered nationwide protests, culminating in agitated youth breaching Parliament.

Speaker Moses Wetangula communicated Koimburi's apology before the House on Tuesday afternoon.

The apology letter, copied to the Majority and Minority leaders, read as follows:

"I, George Koimburu Ndung'u, would like to tender my apology to the House leadership and my fellow members of parliament. I understand we are living in very dynamic and sensitive times, and my past utterances may have caused problems in the country. I am remorseful and humbly seeking forgiveness," the letter stated.

MPs dismissed the apology letter as vague, demanding that Koimburi, who was absent from the House, be punished and held accountable for his statements.

"We don't want Koimburi to come and give an explanation. We heard what he said. For these members to redeem their images and integrity, Koimburi must be punished, Mr. Speaker. Those members who also voted NO need to tell us whether they were bribed to vote NO," said Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi.

Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris also chimed in on the issue.

"When an honourable member makes such claims, he should be put to strict proof. If he cannot substantiate what he said in public and we forgive him without withdrawing, apologizing, and admitting that he lied, then we are coercing him to withdraw. He said he was offered Ksh. 2 million. Let him prove to us who offered him Ksh. 2 million. If he lied, then he should be punished," said Passaris.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan called for the matter to be forwarded to the Powers and Privileges Committee for action.

"For us to be fair and contented, we beseech you, Mr. Speaker, to refer this matter to the Powers and Privileges Committee to not only deal with this issue but also address any member who casts aspersions on the integrity of this House," said Keynan.

Speaker Wetangula, however, said he had directed the MP, who was absent from the House, to avail himself before the House to elaborate on his allegations and the context of the letter.

"I have reluctantly allowed Hon. Koimburi to appear before the House by 2:45 PM on July 30 to explain his actions concerning the complaints raised by the affected members and the context of the apology letter. Thereafter, I shall guide the House on any subsequent action to be taken on the matter," said Wetangula.

The Juja MP also claimed that following his vote against the Bill, he had received threats and that suspicious individuals were trailing him.