Eddie Butita Criticized by Kenyans for Being Undecided on Finance Bill Debate

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Comedian Eddie Butita faced criticism for his ambiguous stance on the Finance Bill 2024 and the 'Occupy Parliament' protests.

• Public figures, including Butita and DJ Joe Mfalme, are under pressure to take clear positions on the controversial bill.

Comedian and scriptwriter Eddie Butita has faced a challenging few days, caught in a whirlwind of criticism over his ambiguous stance on the contentious Finance Bill and the planned protests against it. 

As Kenyans from various sectors, including celebrities and politicians, took firm stands denouncing the Bill and supporting the 'Occupy Parliament' protests, Butita’s attempt to engage in the discourse failed to garner support.

Butita, who recently accompanied President William Ruto on his historic US State visit, initially shared his views on the Bill, claiming to have raised concerns and expressed confidence that action would be taken. 

"As a responsible citizen, I have raised some issues on the Finance Bill, especially touching on the creative economy," he wrote. "I have engaged both formally and informally and I am confident action will be taken. That said, creatives are not opposed to paying taxes, we are just asking for a harmonized approach."

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His politically-correct and equivocal response was met with criticism, with many urging him to clearly state his position and denounce the Bill. 

X personality Wesley Kibande asked pointedly, "So, Yes or No?" Others echoed this sentiment, demanding Butita to take a definitive stand. 

Brenda Wanjiku criticized, "This is fence-sitting. It's either Yes or No. What do you mean by harmonized approach? Stop the NGO talk and address the matters directly!"

As the pressure mounted, Butita tried to clarify his position with another tweet, "Article 37...." This vague reference to the constitutional right to peaceful assembly only fueled further criticism. 

An unimpressed fan pointed out, "Article 37: Everybody has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities... But huwezi sema hivyo coz wamekupromise utaenda kupiga comedy huko California."

The backlash continued, with fans demanding clearer communication. "So what about Article 37? Why leave it at that? Why not also add what it says?" questioned another critic. 

Amid this growing online activism, other public figures were also pressured to take clear stands or remain silent on the issue. 

DJ Joe Mfalme faced similar resistance after tweeting '#RejectFinanceBill2024,' and after engaging with detractors, seemed to withdraw from the debate.

Online personality Andrew Kibe also faced backlash after appearing to support the Finance Bill in a debate he hosted on Monday night. 

The mounting pressure highlights the intense public scrutiny and the demand for unequivocal positions on the Finance Bill 2024.