Gachagua hails 40 MPs who voted no to 2026 Finance Bill
He further suggested that voters would take into account how their representatives voted when they head to the ballot in August 2027, framing the decision.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua. (Photo: X/Rigathi Gachagua)
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hailed 40 Members of the National Assembly who voted against the Finance Bill 2026/27, describing their decision as a stand with citizens and a reflection of political accountability ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, Gachagua said the MPs demonstrated courage by aligning themselves with public sentiment during the vote held on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
He added that their position would be remembered as the country moves closer to the next electoral cycle.
“History will remember the 40 Members of the National Assembly who, on Thursday, stood with the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said. “You are the true heroes of our nation who chose the 55 million Kenyans against the 2026/27 Finance Bill.”
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He further suggested that voters would take into account how their representatives voted when they head to the ballot in August 2027, framing the decision as part of broader political accountability.
His remarks came shortly after the National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026/27 at its Third Reading stage, with 122 MPs voting in favour and 40 voting against.
The Bill forms part of government efforts to finance the Sh4.8 trillion national budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
Legislators allied to President William Ruto’s administration formed the majority that secured its passage, despite opposition from a bloc aligned to Gachagua.
Out of 349 Members of the National Assembly, only 162 MPs participated in the final vote, while 187 did not take part in the division.
The high number of absentees has triggered debate over parliamentary accountability, with questions being raised about the willingness of MPs to take clear positions on a Bill with far-reaching implications for taxation and public spending.
Some observers noted that reluctance to participate in recorded voting may have been influenced by the backlash that followed the Finance Bill, 2024, when MPs who supported it faced public criticism and protests.
On social media, Kenyans expressed mixed reactions, with some arguing that absenteeism amounted to avoidance of accountability, while others called for a reduction in the number of MPs.
The Finance Bill now awaits President William Ruto’s assent after Parliament adopted several amendments recommended by the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee following public participation.