“I’m Sorry”—Nakuru East MP David Gikaria, Wife Apologize to Kenyans for Voting Yes to Finance Bill 2024

Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria made a dramatic apology to Kenyans for voting Yes to the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

 He posted a picture on social media wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “I’m sorry,” standing alongside his wife whose t-shirt read ‘Forgive him’.

This public display of remorse came after significant backlash from his constituents and other Kenyans.

Gikaria’s gesture was seen as an attempt to directly connect with those who felt betrayed by his support of the bill. The image symbolized his regret and his desire to make amends with the public.

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There has been talk that MPs were offered KES 2 million apiece to vote yes during the second reading of the Finance Bill 2024. This resulted in countrywide demonstrations that have led to close to 100 Kenyans losing their lives.

The MPs who voted Yes are now living in perpetual fear of their constituents who are not relenting in ongoing demonstrations to reject the Bill.

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Other MPs who have offered apologies for their actions are Central Turkana MP Joseph Namuar and Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie.

The youthful Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie was among the first to offer an apology after facing backlash for his comments regarding the anti-Finance Bill protests.

During a heated debate on the floor of the House, Kiarie had insinuated that the magnitude of the Gen Z-driven protests was exaggerated. He claimed that images circulating online had been doctored to make the crowds appear larger than they were.

“In the heat of the moment during the debate on the Finance Bill, my words were unnecessary, misguided and insensitive,” Kiarie wrote in a handwritten apology on Monday. “I deeply regret my utterances and understand the anger and frustration that exists in our nation. Anger that stems from decades of unresolved, but potent national issues.”