Matiang’i urges Kenyans to reject Finance Bill 2026
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 20, 2026The Jubilee Party has urged Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026, warning that it could worsen the cost of living.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Jubilee Party headquarters on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the proposed bill would make life harder for ordinary Kenyans.
Matiang’i argued that the Finance Bill would place a heavy burden on civil servants, claiming it would negatively affect their payslips and reduce their dignity. He further stated that the bill could make Kenyans feel “like slaves”, stating that a significant portion of their earnings would be taken away through taxation.
“We, as the Jubilee Party, join other Kenyans in rejecting the Finance Bill 2026. When you see what is in the Finance Bill 2026, you wonder where Kenyans will go and how they will live; the cost of living is already unbearable for them. Kenyan workers are now in slavery,” Matiang’i said.
He also claimed that the government had withdrawn from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, suggesting it did so to avoid external scrutiny and audits.
Blame games
Matiang’i continued slamming the government, saying that it should be awarded a place in the Guinness World Records for generating the most excuses, ranging from claims of “we inherited empty coffers” to blaming retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leaders such as the late Raila Odinga.
The Jubilee Party maintained that the Finance Bill 2026 should be rejected in its current form, insisting that it does not reflect the economic realities faced by citizens.
Fuel hike protests
Recently, they also came out to stand in solidarity with Kenyans during the “Reject Fuel Price” protests, which grounded the nation for two days after matatu and transport associations boycotted their activities, demanding a review of fuel prices.
The strike was later suspended after stakeholders held a meeting with the government, where they agreed to suspend the strike for one week as talks continued.
This led to the former ruling party cancelling its Kiambu delegates’ meeting, which was supposed to take place in Kiambu town and was to be graced by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
