Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday June 26, 2024 stated that if his boss, President William Ruto, had been informed of the public unrest the Finance Bill 2024 had provoked, the protests would not have been as fatal.

However, Moses Kuria, the cabinet secretary for Public Services has rejected Gachagua’s claim.

Gachagua delivered a separate broadcast speech criticizing the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for what he called their “failure to do their job” following President William Ruto’s announcement on Wednesday that he would not sign the controversial Bill due to growing public pressure.

He additionally requested the resignation of NIS Director-General Noordin Haji, calling President Ruto’s last-minute move to recall the Bill “embarrassing” for the administration.

“Ruto deserves better, he deserves a DG who knows what he is doing, who is effective and can analyse situations to keep the government informed,” Gachagua said from Mombasa.

On the other hand, Kuria has described Gachagua a liar, claiming that the DP is an integral element of the Kenya Kwanza group that pushed for the legislation.

“The Deputy President presided over the committee meeting that approved the initial Finance Bill, which included VAT for bread and milk. What a dishonorable, deceitful man!” Moses Kuria noted in a statement posted on X.

Meanwhile, President Ruto expressed his disapproval of the draft law by returning it to Parliament with amendments that would eliminate every clause.

The Bill suggested raising taxes in order to help Ruto’s government reach its goal of Ksh346.7 billion in additional income for the 2024–2025 budget.

However, peaceful protests spearheaded by young people turned deadly as demonstrators have been attacked by police with tear gas canisters and live bullets.

As on Wednesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that 22 people lost their lives due to police shootings, with over 300 people reported injured and 50 more people being taken into custody.

Nonetheless, other protestors on social media stated they were ready to pick up the banner on Thursday June 27, even in the wake of Ruto’s declaration that he would not sign the 2024 Finance Bill.