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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has applauded 40 Members of the National Assembly who voted against the 2026/27 Finance Bill during the parliamentary session held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, saying they demonstrated loyalty to the people.
In a statement, Gachagua said the lawmakers aligned themselves with the interests of citizens by opposing the legislation.
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He also hinted at political consequences in the upcoming election cycle, suggesting that voters would take note of how MPs voted on the Bill.
“History will remember the 40 Honourable Members of the National Assembly who, on Thursday, 18th June 2026, stood with the people of Kenya,” he said.
“You are the true heroes of our nation who chose 55 million Kenyans over the 2026/27 Finance Bill. I trust your constituents will reward your decision on 10th August next year,” he added.
His remarks came shortly after Parliament passed the Finance Bill 2026 at the Third Reading stage, with 122 MPs voting in favour and 40 opposing it.
READ ALSO: Where Were They? 187 MPs Miss Final Finance Bill Vote
The Bill is part of government efforts to finance the Sh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
The outcome reflected the numerical strength of the ruling side despite opposition from a minority bloc of MPs allied to Gachagua.
Lawmakers supporting President William Ruto backed the Bill, while opposition MPs, led by allies of the former Deputy President, rejected it.
Gachagua had earlier instructed MPs aligned to his camp to vote against the Bill and push for a recorded division to show how each legislator voted publicly.
Following its passage, the Bill now moves to the President for assent before becoming law.
It was approved after MPs adopted several amendments from the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee, which had incorporated feedback from public participation forums across the country.
Some controversial tax proposals were dropped or revised following criticism from businesses, civil society groups and members of the public.
The government maintains that the Bill is aimed at improving revenue collection, reducing reliance on borrowing, and strengthening tax administration while avoiding overly punitive taxation that could raise the cost of living.
