Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro has broken his silence following jitters over his absence in the August House during the voting of the Finance Bill 2026.

The National Assembly passed the Finance Bill, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s fiscal agenda for the 2026/27 financial year, amid political tension, voter absenteeism concerns, and renewed debate on taxation and public spending priorities.

The Bill sailed through its Third Reading with 122 votes in favour and 40 against, clearing the way for it to be forwarded to President William Ruto for assent.

Only 162 Members of the National Assembly participated in the decisive vote out of 349 elected and nominated MPs, raising questions about legislative engagement during a critical economic decision.

The legislation is expected to help fund the Ksh4.8 trillion national budget, even as opposition lawmakers, led by allies of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, resisted its passage.

In a statement on Friday, June 19, 2026, the lawmaker explained that he was not present during the vote due to international engagements.

“The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I travelled out of the Country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed. No explanation should absolve the blame,” he wrote on X.

 “As for the feedback we have received from all Kenyans, we take it with humility.”

Nyoro emphasised that citizen input plays a crucial role in shaping legislative accountability and economic decision-making.

The MP also defended his track record in parliamentary debate on fiscal legislation.

Finance Bill concerns

“We have always been available and forthright in debating both the Appropriations Bill and the Finance Bill on the committee and on the floor of the House as a commitment to giving a different and alternative view,” the statement read.

He further highlighted structural challenges within Parliament, arguing that oversight capacity has been weakened.

“Parliament is in an unprecedented phase where both the Majority and the Minority leadership are on the same side, thereby making it difficult to effectively act as an institution of oversight,” Nyoro said, explaining why he and others have chosen to engage both inside and outside.

A key issue raised in his statement was the proposed reduction of fuel prices, which he said faced procedural hurdles.

According to Nyoro, the proposal was not included in the Finance Committee’s final report, and attempts to introduce it through a private member’s bill were blocked on procedural grounds.

“The alternative that was left was that of initiating a private member bill. However, this was deemed as a Money Bill and could not be carried as an amendment in the Finance Bill on the Floor,” he explained.

The Finance Bill 2026 was passed after lawmakers adopted amendments from the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee following nationwide public participation.

While the government maintains that the Bill will enhance revenue collection and reduce reliance on borrowing, critics argue it risks increasing the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans.

Nyoro also pointed to past interventions, including opposition to a proposed increase in school fees and scrutiny of the planned 15 per cent government sale of Safaricom shares, arguing that parliamentary and public pressure has previously influenced policy reversals.

“We are glad that together, we have achieved many things through debate, talking about them in forums & media and sharing information,” he said, adding that personal comfort would call for us to be quiet at critical moments, but it is unpatriotic to seek comfort over what is right.