Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
The public apology issued to President William Ruto by Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji for his decision to vote against the 2024 Finance Bill has ignited mixed reactions from residents in his constituency.
On Wednesday, Mukunji expressed regret after noticing that President Ruto bypassed Manyatta Constituency during a recent development tour in Embu County, where he launched several development projects.
During his tour, the President praised MPs who supported the Finance Bill, further prompting Mukunji’s apology.
“I am asking for forgiveness. And, Your Excellency, I am one of those who will stand firmly with you so that we can drive the wheel of Kenya forward,” Mukunji stated.
Mukunji’s apology has received a mixed response among Manyatta residents.
Some see the move as a strategic political maneuver to secure continued development in the area, while others accuse the MP of lacking principles and acting out of self-interest.
Willy Njagi, a resident of Manyatta Constituency, defended the MP’s actions as politically motivated and not for personal gain.
“There are no mistakes he has made because, as you know, politics is a dirty game. There may be considerations we don’t fully understand. He might be avoiding the risk of being sidelined by the President while pursuing development agendas in the country. For that reason, we can’t say he has betrayed us,” Njagi said.
“The only mistake he could have made was to vote in favor of the 2024 Finance Bill, which he did not, so we still respect him as the people of Manyatta,” added Mercy Wanja, another resident.
At the same time, some residents criticized Mukunji for not maintaining his original stance against the Finance Bill.
Josphat Kamau, a Manyatta resident, expressed disappointment, stating, “We thought he had rejected the 2024 Finance Bill because he was standing with us. But when he came and said he had apologized, I was shocked. He is not a good person.”
As the debate unfolds, Mukunji’s political future and standing with his constituents remain uncertain.
His ability to balance political loyalty with the interests of his people will be crucial in determining his effectiveness as a leader.
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