NAIROBI, Kenya – Lawyer and constitutional activist Willis Otieno has sharply criticized Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro over his absence during the National Assembly vote on the Finance Bill 2026, questioning the legislator’s commitment to the positions he had publicly taken against the proposed law.
Otieno’s remarks came after Nyoro issued a statement explaining why he missed the crucial parliamentary session in which lawmakers voted on the controversial Finance Bill.
In his statement, Nyoro acknowledged that he was not present during the vote, saying he had travelled out of the country for engagements that could not be postponed.
However, he admitted that “no explanation should absolve the blame” and said he had received public criticism with humility.
Reacting to the explanation, Otieno accused the Kiharu lawmaker of repeatedly missing critical parliamentary votes despite portraying himself as an alternative voice on economic and governance matters.
“Buda, usitubebe ufala,” Otieno said in a strongly worded response posted on social media.
“It is becoming a recurring pattern that whenever Parliament is confronted with consequential votes that directly affect the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, you are conveniently outside the country.”
The lawyer further questioned whether Nyoro’s extensive criticism of the Finance Bill before the vote was genuine, arguing that his absence at the decisive moment had raised concerns among Kenyans.
“After months of fiery rhetoric, media appearances, and vehement opposition to the Finance Bill, your conspicuous absence at the decisive moment raises legitimate questions about your sincerity and political fortitude. Were the interviews merely performative? Was the outrage simply a public relations exercise?” Otieno posed.
Nyoro has in recent months been one of the most vocal lawmakers on economic issues, frequently criticizing aspects of government fiscal policy and proposing measures aimed at reducing fuel prices and easing the cost of living.
The Finance Bill 2026 was passed by the National Assembly after a heated debate over tax proposals and revenue-raising measures contained in the legislation. The Bill now awaits presidential assent.
In his defence, Nyoro said he had actively participated in discussions on the Finance Bill and the Appropriations Bill through committee engagements and debates in Parliament. He also noted that some of his proposals, including those targeting fuel prices, were not adopted by the Finance Committee.
The MP further argued that Parliament is operating in an unusual political environment where the leadership of both the Majority and Minority sides often take similar positions, making oversight more challenging.
Otieno’s criticism adds to growing public scrutiny of lawmakers who failed to participate in the Finance Bill vote, with many Kenyans using social media to demand greater accountability from elected leaders on attendance and voting records.
The exchange highlights the political fallout that has followed the passage of the Finance Bill, with attention increasingly shifting to the conduct of individual MPs and their role in shaping legislation that affects millions of Kenyans.
