Where were they? MPs who skipped crucial Finance Bill vote

A group of MPs was highly vocal in the buildup to the Finance Bill debate and vote. They held numerous press conferences, took part in public barazas, appeared on TV talk shows and maintained a strong presence on social media.

However, when it mattered most, the debate on the floor of the House and the vote, they were largely absent. They were neither in Parliament nor active on social media. Even when opposition leaders tried to rally their members to shoot down what they termed an unpopular legislation, they failed to show up.

More than half of MPs in the National Assembly did not participate in the Finance Bill vote, a crucial decision that will shape taxation and public spending in the coming financial year.

Out of 349 MPs, only 162 turned up for the crucial vote, representing 46 per cent, while 187 members, about 55 per cent, failed to show up for a decision meant to represent their constituents.

Of the 162 MPs who voted for or against the Bill, 122 supported it, while 40, largely from the minority side, opposed it. By the end of the day, the majority had its way while the minority made its case.

What puzzled Kenyans, including political analysts and civil rights activists, was the high number of absentees in the National Assembly compared to those present for such a critical decision expected to shape the lives of millions.

Some of the notable figures who skipped the vote included Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who has been a vocal opponent of the Finance Bill, particularly criticising aggressive tax proposals and the short review period given to lawmakers.

The MP, who had taken to the floor of the House in recent weeks to call for a national conversation on the effectiveness of Finance Bills and taxation measures, was absent when it came time to vote.

However, Nyoro later said he was out of the country in Botswana, “to be precise, for work-related engagements.”

He described Parliament as being in an “unprecedented phase,” arguing that both the Majority and Minority appeared aligned, making it difficult to effectively perform oversight. He, however, maintained that he would continue pursuing tax relief measures, including fuel price reductions, through alternative channels.

“On the proposals we had on reducing fuel prices, we had the opportunity to appear before the relevant committees. Unfortunately, the Finance Committee did not include the proposals in their final report. The alternative that was left was that of initiating a private member’s Bill.”

Most of President William Ruto’s allies, largely from the Mt Kenya region, and ODM leaders within the broad-based government gave the National Assembly a wide berth, in what critics link to efforts to avoid public scrutiny and possible voter backlash ahead of next year’s polls.

In Mt Kenya alone, about 50 MPs aligned to Ruto’s “two-term” campaign skipped the sitting.

Among them were Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Eric Wa Mumbi (Mathira), Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende (Mbeere North), Njuguna Ka Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Elijah Kururia (Gatundu North), Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South), Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu) and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete).

Explaining their absence, Wa Mumbi and Wa Muthende said they had been deployed to campaign for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in Ol Kalou, Samuel Muchina.

“In our camp, we have different squads, just like the military is assigned different roles. We had our team in Parliament while I was leading another group in Ol Kalou, which is a contest between Mathira sons (referring to him and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua),” said Wa Mumbi.

Wa Muthende said: “I regret missing Parliament to vote in favour of the Finance Bill, but I was in Ol Kalou campaigning for our candidate. I had requested the link, but I was informed it was not working,” he said in a phone interview.

Others who were absent during the vote included Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Ruth Odinga (Kisumu), John Walter Owino (Awendo) and Millicent Odhiambo (Suba North), among others.

Analysts say many lawmakers avoided the House due to reluctance to have their names associated with a measure that has previously sparked public anxiety, particularly the 2024 Finance Bill protests that continue to cast a shadow over Parliament.

Lawyer Willis Otieno said it was unfortunate that some MPs who have been vocal on the country’s economic direction chose not to be present in the National Assembly to either support, oppose or propose amendments to the Finance Bill.

“Some 187 MPs were allegedly induced by the government to absent themselves from Parliament during the crucial vote on the Finance Bill 2026. Many of these same legislators will later appear in public forums, delivering eloquent lectures on economics and professing unwavering solidarity with ordinary Kenyans,” he said.

“Kenyans have seen this script before. Just as happened with sections of the Finance Bill 2024, provisions temporarily withdrawn from the Finance Bill 2026 may find their way back into Parliament through procedural manoeuvres, escaping meaningful public scrutiny before being quietly enacted. When the dust settles, we will again be told that there is nothing citizens can do about it. It is political duplicity masquerading as leadership.”

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya said the growing influence of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) played a key role in the low turnout witnessed during the National Assembly vote on the Finance Bill 2026.

He noted that mounting public pressure generated by DCP’s grassroots mobilisation left many MPs, particularly from the Mt Kenya region, unwilling to publicly take a position on the Bill, opting instead to observe the proceedings from a distance.

“Notably, the majority of absentees came from the Mt Kenya region, particularly MPs from the UDA party. Their conspicuous absence speaks volumes,” he said.

Salasya also singled out UDA legislators, saying a huge number chose to stay away from the House rather than risk political backlash from constituents, hoping that even in their absence the Bill would still pass, allowing them to later tailor their explanations to political convenience.

While criticising the lawmakers who boycotted Parliament, lawyer Otieno Mokaya said they had let down their constituents and raised broader questions about whether the country needed 349 MPs.

“There is no taxation without representation. Kenyans should understand that it is Parliament that taxes them through proposals and amendments passed in the House, and anything touching on taxation should land on the desk of every Member of Parliament,” he added.

Gachagua praised the 40 MPs who voted against the Finance Bill, while sharply criticising those who stayed away from Parliament, accusing them of acting to please President William Ruto.

“History will remember the 40 Honourable Members of the National Assembly who on Thursday, 18th June 2026, stood with the people of Kenya. You are the true heroes of our nation who chose 55 million Kenyans over the oppressive 2026/27 Finance Bill,” he said.

“For those who voted YES to oppress the people who elected them, as well as those who deliberately kept off when it mattered most, I am sure Mr William Ruto is very happy with you and shall reward you handsomely. Dear Kenyans, please note the Honorable Members who stood with you and voted NO to reject the oppressive 2026 Finance Bill. That was a vote for you as a Kenyan.”