NAIROBI, Kenya – Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has intensified opposition to the Finance Bill 2026, describing Thursday’s vote in the National Assembly as a defining moment that will reveal where Members of Parliament stand on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
In a strongly worded statement ahead of the crucial vote, Gachagua said the outcome would show whether elected leaders support policies that burden citizens or genuinely care about their welfare.
“Today’s vote at the National Assembly for or against the 2026 Finance Bill is a defining moment for the people of the Republic of Kenya,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President argued that the parliamentary vote goes beyond legislative procedure and represents a clear test of accountability. According to him, Kenyans deserve to know where their representatives stand on matters that directly affect their livelihoods.
“At the end of the day, the people of Kenya will know whether their elected representative supports measures that oppress them more or cares for them,” he said.
Gachagua revealed that legislators allied to the Democracy for Citizens Party had been instructed to reject the proposed legislation and remain in the House to ensure a formal division vote is conducted.
“Our DCP allied members have instructions to vote against the Finance Bill 2026 and stay in the House to force a Division. The people of Kenya must know who is for or against them,” he said.
The DCP leader also took aim at lawmakers who may choose to abstain from the vote or avoid the parliamentary session altogether. He argued that neutrality is not an option when issues affecting citizens’ welfare are under consideration.
“Those members who keep away from the vote and sit on the fence must be deemed to be against the people of Kenya,” Gachagua declared.
Insisting that legislators must make a clear choice, he maintained that there is no middle ground in the debate surrounding the Finance Bill.
“They must make up their mind to be with the people or against them. There is no neutral position when the welfare of the people of Kenya is at stake. You are either for the people of Kenya or against them,” he added.
