Gachagua Orders Allied MPs to Reject Finance Bill 2026 in Final Vote

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has directed all MPs allied to his party to vote against the Finance Bill 2026 during Thursday’s Third Reading in the National Assembly.

He also instructed the legislators to remain in the chamber and demand a Division, a procedure that records each MP’s vote. Gachagua said any member who fails to attend the session will be considered to have acted against the interests of the public.

Presenting the vote as a test of commitment to ordinary Kenyans, Gachagua said citizens should know which leaders support or oppose the proposals. He argued that increasing taxes is not a solution to economic challenges facing households and businesses.

Among his main concerns are proposed levies on digital transactions and financial payments. He said the measures would increase costs for consumers and place additional pressure on small businesses.

Gachagua also questioned the government’s revenue strategy. He noted that the Kenya Revenue Authority has missed its revenue collection targets by about 20 per cent in each of the past three years, yet the government continues to seek additional tax measures.

Beyond taxation, he criticised funding levels for the health sector. He said healthcare receives only 3.5 percent of the national budget, well below the 15 per cent target Kenya committed to under the Abuja Declaration. 

He called on the government to reduce spending on travel and consultancy services by at least 30 percent before introducing further charges on citizens and businesses. The government has rejected claims that the bill introduces new taxes.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has defended the proposals, saying they remain within existing policy frameworks. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has also supported the legislation, describing it as necessary for maintaining stable public finances.

The bill is also facing a legal challenge. The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has filed a petition seeking conservatory orders to stop its implementation. 

COFEK argues that the proposed measures could alter taxation on everyday transactions without sufficient protections for consumer rights, privacy and public participation, raising constitutional concerns. The Finance Bill passed its Second Reading on 17 June and now faces its final parliamentary hurdle. 

The outcome of the vote will determine whether the government secures approval for its fiscal plans or whether opponents succeed in blocking the legislation.