Ndindi Nyoro Breaks Silence on Missing Crucial Finance Bill Vote as Public Backlash Mounts
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has finally addressed growing public criticism over his absence during the debate and voting on the Finance Bill 2026/27, admitting that he failed to attend one of Parliament’s most significant sessions despite his outspoken views on economic policy.
Nyoro’s absence from the National Assembly on Thursday quickly became a topic of discussion among Kenyans, especially given his recent prominence in debates surrounding taxation, government spending, public debt, and the country’s broader economic direction.
The Finance Bill 2026/27, which contains key tax and revenue measures affecting millions of Kenyans, was passed during a session that recorded notably low participation from lawmakers. Out of the 349 elected and nominated Members of Parliament, only 162 cast their votes, representing just 46.4 per cent of the House. More than half of MPs were either absent or did not participate in the voting process.
Among the missing legislators, Nyoro’s absence attracted particular attention because he has consistently positioned himself as one of the most vocal voices on fiscal policy matters.
In a detailed statement released after the vote, the Kiharu legislator acknowledged the criticism directed at him and admitted that many Kenyans had legitimate concerns about his absence.
“The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament,” Nyoro stated.
The MP explained that he had travelled outside the country on Wednesday evening for official engagements which, according to him, could not be postponed.
However, he was quick to admit that the circumstances did not excuse his failure to attend the parliamentary session.
“But no explanation should absolve the blame,” he added.
Nyoro said he had taken time to reflect on the feedback received from members of the public, noting that criticism remains an important aspect of leadership and accountability.
According to the legislator, the reactions from Kenyans would help him improve how he discharges his responsibilities both in Parliament and in public service.
The former Budget and Appropriations Committee chair defended his record on matters relating to the Finance Bill, arguing that his contribution went beyond the final voting stage. He pointed to his participation in committee deliberations, parliamentary debates, and public engagements where he presented alternative proposals to government fiscal measures.
Nyoro maintained that his interventions have helped inform citizens on decisions affecting taxation, investments, businesses, and the wider economy.
The MP also raised concerns about what he described as a changing parliamentary environment, claiming that traditional distinctions between majority and minority leadership have become increasingly blurred.
According to him, the current political landscape has complicated Parliament’s oversight role, prompting him to engage more actively with the public outside the House.
On proposals aimed at lowering fuel prices, Nyoro revealed that he had submitted recommendations to the relevant parliamentary committees. However, he said the proposals were ultimately left out of the Finance Committee’s final report.
He further explained that efforts to introduce the measures through amendments became difficult after they were deemed matters requiring a separate legislative process.
Despite defending his broader involvement in the budget-making process, Nyoro conceded that elected leaders must remain open to public scrutiny and willing to learn from mistakes.
“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.
His remarks come amid heightened public interest in the Finance Bill 2026/27, with many Kenyans closely monitoring the voting records of legislators as concerns over taxation, cost of living, and government expenditure continue to dominate national discourse.
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