Esther Passaris has incurred a hefty fine of Ksh 250,000 for her decision to support the Finance Act during a National Assembly vote, contrary to her party’s stand. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) imposed this punishment during a meeting held on September 6, 2023, in Nairobi.
The ODM’s National Executive Committee issued a directive requiring Passaris to settle the fine within 60 days. Her transgression, as deemed by the party, was her departure from the party’s position during the debate on the Finance Bill of 2023.
However, the penalty doesn’t end there. Passaris has also been instructed to compose a letter of apology to the opposition party within seven days for her divergence from the party’s stance on the bill.
During the Finance Bill debate, Passaris defended her choice to vote in favor of the bill, citing its provisions for improving the living conditions of Nairobi residents in slums. She stated, “I have a dream of a Kenya where the image of slums remains in our history books and not in our motherland… for the millions of Kenyans living in the over 1,400 slums, I voted YES on the housing levy.”
The Finance Bill, which received overwhelming support in the National Assembly, introduced a 1.5% housing tax on all salaried Kenyans. The revenue generated from this tax is earmarked for the construction of affordable housing units, a flagship project of President William Ruto.
The imposition of the housing tax and the decision to double the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 8% to 16% have faced criticism from various stakeholders and the general public.
In the grand scheme of things, Passaris’s fine may appear relatively lenient compared to the fate of Langata lawmaker Felix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang’o, and five other Members of Parliament who were expelled from the ODM for their alleged defiance of the party’s directives and gross misconduct.
Among those expelled, according to the NEC resolution, were Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Senator Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Hon. Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Caroli Omondi (Suba South). This decision came as no surprise, as many of these lawmakers had seemingly shifted their allegiance from ODM leader Raila Odinga to President William Ruto.
The said lawmakers have been seen at State House, Nairobi, and have accompanied the Head of State in launching development projects in their constituencies which are traditionally considered Mr. Odinga’s political stronghold.
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