Lawyer Willis Otieno has launched a scathing attack on Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro following the legislator’s explanation for missing the crucial parliamentary vote on the Finance Bill 2026.

Otieno accused Nyoro of abandoning Kenyans at a decisive moment despite months of publicly criticising the government’s fiscal policies and positioning himself as an alternative voice on economic matters.

In a response shared on social media on the night of Friday, June 19, 2026, the Safina deputy party leader questioned Nyoro’s absence from Parliament during one of the most consequential votes affecting the country’s economic future.

“Buda, usitubebe ufala,” Otieno wrote.

“It is becoming a recurring pattern that whenever Parliament is confronted with consequential votes that directly affect the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, you are conveniently outside the country.”

Otieno Questions Nyoro’s Commitment

The lawyer argued that Nyoro’s absence had undermined months of public opposition to the Finance Bill and raised questions about his political consistency.

“After months of fiery rhetoric, media appearances, and vehement opposition to the Finance Bill, your conspicuous absence at the decisive moment raises legitimate questions about your sincerity and political fortitude,” Otieno stated.

“Were the interviews merely performative? Was the outrage simply a public relations exercise?”

Nyoro breaks silence

The criticism came moments after Nyoro issued a public statement explaining why he was not present during the National Assembly vote that saw the Finance Bill 2026 pass.

The Bill cleared its Third Reading after 122 MPs voted in support while 40 opposed it, paving the way for it to be forwarded to President William Ruto for assent.

Only 162 of the 349 elected and nominated Members of Parliament participated in the vote, triggering public criticism over absenteeism during a critical legislative process.

In his statement, Nyoro acknowledged the disappointment surrounding his absence and accepted responsibility.

“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,” Nyoro said.

The MP said he had taken time to review public feedback and appreciated the concerns raised by Kenyans.

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

Defence of his record

Nyoro also defended his track record on economic legislation, arguing that he had consistently participated in debates surrounding both the Finance Bill and Appropriations Bill.

He maintained that he had offered alternative viewpoints inside and outside Parliament and highlighted what he described as structural challenges affecting parliamentary oversight.

“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,” he said.

The former Budget and Appropriations Committee chair also pointed to previous interventions on public policy matters, including opposition to proposed increases in day secondary school fees and concerns over the planned sale of government shares in Safaricom.

According to Nyoro, public awareness and pressure had played a key role in influencing government decisions on those issues.

Finance Bill passage sparks political fallout

The Finance Bill 2026 passed amid heightened political tensions and competing narratives over its impact on ordinary Kenyans.

The legislation is expected to support funding for the government’s Ksh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, with the administration arguing that it will strengthen domestic revenue collection and reduce dependence on borrowing.

However, critics contend that the Bill could increase the cost of living and place additional pressure on households already struggling with economic challenges.

Nyoro had emerged as one of the most prominent voices raising concerns about aspects of the Bill, particularly proposals touching on fuel prices and broader economic policy.

His absence during the final vote therefore attracted significant attention, with many Kenyans questioning why a lawmaker who had been vocal throughout the debate was not present when Parliament made its final decision.