Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro has publicly apologised to Kenyans for missing the National Assembly vote on the Finance Bill 2026.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Nyoro admitted that his absence during one of the country’s most consequential parliamentary sessions disappointed many citizens.

The former Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson acknowledged the public backlash that followed his absence and said he had learnt valuable lessons from the incident.

“I want to take this opportunity to apologise to Kenyans for the disappointment I caused them last week during the Finance Bill vote. It is not the way I do things; nilikosea hapo,” Nyoro said.

“It was not abdicating the duty. I have been trying to do as much as possible when it comes to governance in this country, especially anything to do with public finances. So, whatever happened, I apologise to Kenyans, and we have learnt from it to do better and to be better representatives of the people,” he added.

The vote sparked public debate

Nyoro came under intense scrutiny after he failed to participate in the parliamentary vote on the Finance Bill 2026, legislation that sets out the government’s tax and revenue measures for the 2026/27 financial year.

The National Assembly passed the Bill after 122 Members of Parliament voted in support of it, while 40 lawmakers opposed the proposed tax measures.

The relatively low turnout during the vote drew criticism from members of the public, with many questioning why several MPs were absent during such a critical decision.

Nyoro’s absence attracted particular attention because of his long-standing reputation as one of Parliament’s most vocal legislators on matters relating to public finance, taxation, and budgeting.

Ndindi Nyoro’s absence

Before Saturday’s apology, the Kiharu legislator had explained that he missed the vote because he had travelled outside the country for engagements that, according to him, could not be postponed.

In a statement issued after the vote, Nyoro acknowledged that the explanation did not erase public disappointment.

“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 said.

He also said he had received public criticism with humility.

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

Defends record on public finance

While apologising, Nyoro maintained that throughout his parliamentary career, he has consistently taken an active role in debates concerning the country’s fiscal policy.

The MP said he remains committed to promoting accountability in public finance and offering alternative views on government spending and taxation.

“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,” he had stated earlier.

Nyoro has previously criticised what he describes as excessive government borrowing, warning that Kenya should prioritise prudent financial management instead of increasing the country’s debt burden.

The apology came during Nyoro’s first public address since the Finance Bill vote, ending days of speculation over whether he would directly respond to growing criticism from Kenyans.

His scheduled press briefing at the KICC had attracted significant public interest, with many expecting the legislator to clarify his absence and outline his position on the Finance Bill and the country’s broader economic direction.

The Finance Bill 2026 has remained one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation this year, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to finance government programmes, while critics have raised concerns over taxation levels, public debt, and the overall direction of the country’s fiscal policy.

Nyoro has been among legislators who have repeatedly questioned the government’s borrowing strategy and called for stronger fiscal discipline.