This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo Offers to Resign Over VAT on Petroleum Products ¶
On September 20, 2018, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo expressed his disgust on Twitter after ODM's support for the 8% VAT on petroleum products was approved during a chaotic special sitting of the National Assembly.
Amollo's decision to resign comes after ODM leader Raila Odinga's spokesperson Dennis Onyango challenged the MP to resign and seek a fresh mandate since his views were not consistent with those of the party.
Onyango's statement sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Kenyans defending Amollo's right to hold a different opinion from the party.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had already signed the Finance Bill 2018, which enhances tax on airtime, internet bundles, M-Pesa and ATM transactions.
Amollo's tweet read: 'My Conscience is Clear! We said a Resounding No! The Speaker heard a YES! An August House Indeed!..Disgrace!'
Onyango responded by saying: 'I think you should go a step further and resign from the party and seek fresh mandate since your views are no longer consistent with those of the party. That would make you truly honourable.'
Amollo responded by saying: 'Dennis, write to me officially and I will.'
Many Kenyans took to social media to defend Amollo's right to hold a different opinion from the party, with some even suggesting that Onyango should resign for trying to dictate to the MP.
