Ndindi Nyoro: Why I missed the Finance Bill 2026 vote

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has responded to public concerns over his absence during the debate and voting on the Finance Bill 2026/27, after missing one of Parliament’s most closely watched legislative sessions.

Nyoro’s absence raised eyebrows among a section of Kenyans, particularly because of his recent public positions on government economic policy and his criticism of aspects of the country’s fiscal direction.

The Finance Bill vote took place on Thursday amid relatively low participation in the National Assembly.

Out of 349 elected and nominated members, only 162 cast their votes, representing 46.4 per cent of lawmakers, while 182 were either absent or did not vote during the session.

Among those whose absence sparked debate was Nyoro, who in recent months has frequently spoken on taxation, public spending, debt management and broader economic policy.

The MP has also been vocal during parliamentary discussions and public forums on measures contained in the budget-making process, making his absence during the final voting stage notable.

Responding in a detailed statement, Nyoro acknowledged the concerns raised and said he had taken time to reflect on the public feedback.

He admitted that he was not present during the vote and accepted criticism directed at him.

“The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament,” he said.

Nyoro explained that he travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that, according to him, could not be postponed.

However, he maintained that the circumstances should not excuse missing the session.

“But no explanation should absolve the blame,” he added.

The MP said feedback received from Kenyans would help improve how he and others carry out their responsibilities in Parliament and in public service.

Nyoro defended his record on the Finance Bill and Appropriations Bill, saying he had consistently participated in committee processes and floor debates to provide alternative views on government proposals.

According to him, those engagements have helped inform Kenyans on decisions affecting businesses, investments and the economy.

He also argued that Parliament is operating in what he described as an unprecedented environment where majority and minority leadership appear aligned, making oversight more difficult.

Nyoro said this had informed his approach of engaging both within Parliament and through public platforms.

On proposals he had championed to reduce fuel prices, the legislator said they were presented before relevant committees but were not included in the Finance Committee’s final report.

He said pursuing the proposals through amendments became difficult after they were classified as matters requiring a separate legislative path.

Nyoro added that leaders must remain accountable and open to criticism.

“As human as we are, we are far from being perfect and we will always seek to learn from the feedback we receive,” he said.