National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has moved to clarify comments that sparked online debate, insisting that his remarks in Parliament were misinterpreted to insinuate that he was calling President William Ruto and updating him during the Finance Bill 2026 debate.

Ichung’wah said he was referring to Kesses MP CPA Julius Rutto in his comments on Finance Bill deliberations, arguing that some critics had deliberately distorted his statement for political mileage.

“The desperado propagandists don’t even understand,” Ichung’wah said in a short statement accompanied by a video on Saturday, June 20, 2026. “As leader of my team in Parliament, I have liberty to advise which of my team members can speak to a bill.”

He further defended CPA Rutto’s role in the Finance Committee, describing him as a key contributor to the legislative process and a “star Finance Committee member” who is well placed to engage on fiscal matters before the House.

Ichung’wah hits out at critics over ‘misinterpretation’

The Majority Leader accused critics of selectively interpreting his remarks while ignoring the broader context of parliamentary debate, saying his reference was purely procedural and based on committee assignments.

“Hon. CPA Julius Rutto Member for Kesses is a star Finance Committee member, now their propaganda queen only hears ‘na umpee CPA Ruto’ and selectively refuses to hear ‘na Wamuchomba pia’,” he added.

His clarification comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding ongoing discussions on the Finance Bill, with various leaders weighing in on tax proposals, committee processes, and parliamentary procedure.

Finance Bill debate continues in Parliament

The remarks add another layer to the heated debate over the Finance Bill, which has attracted scrutiny from both government and opposition lawmakers over its potential economic impact.

While the National Treasury maintains that the Bill is aimed at improving revenue collection and supporting fiscal stability, critics continue to raise concerns over its implications for households, businesses, and the broader cost of living.

Ichung’wah’s clarification now seeks to shift focus back to legislative procedure, as Parliament continues deliberations on the Bill’s provisions ahead of final approval stages.

Despite pushback, MPs passed Finance Bill 2026, paving the way for presidential assent.