Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro has explained why he missed the National Assembly’s vote on the Finance Bill 2026 on June 18 amid growing public backlash.
In a statement on June 19, Nyoro said he traveled outside Kenya on Wednesday evening, June 17, for engagements that “could not be postponed”, but maintained that his explanation should not absolve him from blame for his absence from Parliament during the vote.
“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. But no explanation should absolve the blame,” read part of the statement.
The MP’s absence drew criticism from Kenyans who had anticipated he would play a leading role in opposing the Finance Bill 2026.
Members of the National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026 at the Third Reading stage, with 122 MPs voting in favour and 40 opposing it.
However, the session was marked by significant absenteeism, as 187 lawmakers failed to participate in the electronic voting.
Ndindi Nyoro Responds After He Missed the Finance Bill 2026 Vote
Nyoro defended his record on economic oversight, saying he had consistently participated in debates on both the Finance Bill and the Appropriations Bill through committee proceedings and debates on the floor of the House.
He argued that these engagements had provided an alternative viewpoint on issues affecting businesses, investments and the economy.
At the same time, he claimed that Parliament is facing an unprecedented situation in which both the Majority and Minority leaderships are aligned on key issues, making it difficult for the institution to perform its oversight role effectively.
Also Read: National Assembly Passes Finance Bill 2026
Kiharu MP Defends Himself
On proposals to lower fuel prices, Nyoro said he had presented recommendations to parliamentary committees, but the Finance Committee did not include them in its final report.
He added that efforts to introduce the measures through a private member’s bill were blocked after the proposal was classified as a money bill, requiring a separate legislative process.
However, the MP said the initiative to reduce fuel prices would now proceed through a different legislative route.
Also Read: Ndindi Nyoro Outlines Measures Govt Can Take to Reduce Fuel Prices to Ksh 187
Nyoro also cited past interventions that he said had borne fruit, including opposition to a proposed increase in day secondary school fees, which was later shelved, and efforts to block the government’s planned sale of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom.
He noted that although Parliament approved the sale, the courts later halted the transaction.
The legislator said he had taken note of the feedback from Kenyans and would use it to improve his performance both in Parliament and in public service.
The MP concluded by acknowledging the weight of public expectations and pledged to continue engaging in economic oversight while learning from the criticism received following his absence during the Finance Bill vote.
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