Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has signalled that a majority of leaders from the Mount Kenya region deliberately skipped the parliamentary vote on the Finance Bill 2026, arguing that the move reflects growing unease with President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking on the political mood within the region in an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, June 22, 2026, Kang’ata said that approximately 95 per cent of Members of Parliament from Mount Kenya did not participate in the vote, including lawmakers who publicly identify as supporters of the government.

“The Finance Bill was voted on in Parliament, but the truth is that 95 per cent of leaders in Parliament from Mount Kenya did not go to Parliament, including those who support the government,” Kang’ata said.

According to the governor, the absence of the legislators from the crucial session suggests that many are unwilling to be seen backing government proposals that have generated public debate and scrutiny.

He argued that the most likely explanation for their absence was a reluctance to openly support the government on the matter.

“The most likely scenario is that they skipped the session because they will not end up supporting the government,” he stated.

Kang’ata further suggested that the development should serve as a warning sign to President Ruto regarding the political sentiments emerging from the Mount Kenya region, which played a pivotal role in his election victories.

“Even as a president, you should note that,” he said.

The governor also alleged that some leaders have privately expressed support for the government while simultaneously distancing themselves from its policies when faced with political pressure from constituents.

“Some of the leaders have been telling the government that they support it, but at some point, they go slow,” Kang’ata added.

Majority of MPs skip voting session on Finance bill

His remarks come days after the National Assembly voted on the Finance bill on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in a session that only 162 members of the National Assembly turned up for the crucial vote among the 349 members. Of the 162 who appeared, 122 voted to approve the bill, and 40 were against it. The other 187 MPs weren’t involved.

The number of MPs boycotting the vote was larger than the number who were present. As it were, only 122 members of the National Assembly (about a third) voted on a bill which will impact millions of Kenyans.