It is time for MPs to make political sacrifices for the sake of Kenyans, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has said.
Nassir said party loyalty should now be put aside if it means saving Kenyans from suffering.
Public participation in the Finance Bill 2024 has ended with some Kenyans rejecting it as it is.
The National Assembly finance committee retreated for report writing and is expected to table its report in Parliament on Tuesday.
“It is now important more than ever for MPs to sacrifice for the country. I am informed that the National Assembly finance committee have proposed a lot of changes to the bill,” Nassir said.
Speaking after Eid-ul-Adha prayers at RG Ngapa primary in Mombasa on Monday, he called on all MPs from Mombasa and the Coast to consult their constituents before representing their views in Parliament.
“It is vital for the ODM MPs to take the party position after going through the report,” he said.
On the one-man-one-vote-one-shilling debate, Nassir said Kenyans’ must be careful as the formula could be deceiving.
The latest report from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows Mombasa and Kilifi counties are among the top 10 counties in contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Kwale County is also among the best-contributing counties.
“Those counties which are heavily populated only defeat us in giving birth. There is a difference between giving birth and being productive,” Nassir said.
He said the basis of revenue share has many factors, which he said should include what one brings to the table.
On the muguka debate, he said his decision is based on a scientific study that shows 30 per cent of users of muguka in Mombasa are children.
“When we stand firm, we stand firm knowing that the problems that are there today were caused by the inaction of yesterday. And if we fail to take action today, tomorrow will be worse than today and worse later,” Nassir said.
Speaking alongside Nassir, Mvita MP Mohamed Machele said they will vote against the bill.
“We will stand firm,” the MP said.
He thanked the public for putting pressure on their leaders, saying this year is not like last year when the Finance Bill 2023 was not opposed as much as the bill this year.
“We got messages from our constituents because our numbers were shared. They were politically threatening messages.
“Those who betrayed us and went against the will of the public are more cautious this time,” he said.
However, he said the messages he got were not threatening but only encouraging him to stand with the people.
“That is because even last year I was on the No side. I am loyal to the party,” Machele said.