NAIROBI, Kenya – Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has defended his absence during the crucial vote on the Finance Bill, while also raising concerns about what he described as a growing challenge to effective parliamentary oversight.
In a statement issued a day after the National Assembly voted on the contentious Finance Bill, Ndindi acknowledged public disappointment over his absence and admitted that he must take responsibility for missing the session.
“The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed. But no explanation should absolve the blame,” he said.
The lawmaker said he had taken note of the criticism from Kenyans and pledged to learn from the feedback.
“As for the feedback we have received from all Kenyans, we take it with humility. All the feedback will go a long way in making us better as we discharge our duties in Parliament and outside as we serve the great people of Kenya,” he stated.
Beyond explaining his absence, the MP used the statement to highlight what he termed an unprecedented political situation in Parliament, arguing that the traditional oversight role of the House has been weakened.
“Parliament is in an unprecedented phase where both the Majority and the Minority leadership are on the same side thereby making it difficult to effectively act as an institution of oversight,” he said.
According to the legislator, this reality has forced some members to pursue accountability efforts both within Parliament and through public engagement outside the House.
The MP maintained that he had consistently participated in debates surrounding the Appropriations Bill and the Finance Bill, saying such discussions were important in informing Kenyans about matters affecting businesses, investments and the broader economy.
He also addressed concerns over proposals aimed at reducing fuel prices, saying attempts to push the measures through parliamentary committees were unsuccessful after they were omitted from the Finance Committee’s final report.
“On the proposals we had on reducing fuel prices, we had the opportunity to appear before the relevant committees. Unfortunately, the Finance Committee did not include the proposals in their final report,” he explained.
Ndindi Nyoro added that efforts to introduce the changes through a private member’s bill faced procedural hurdles because the proposal was classified as a money bill.
Despite the setback, he insisted the process would continue through a separate legislative route.
The MP also pointed to what he described as previous successes achieved through public awareness and sustained advocacy.
He cited opposition to a proposed increase in day secondary school fees, which was eventually shelved, as well as efforts to stop the proposed sale of a 15 per cent government stake in Safaricom.
The statement comes amid heightened public scrutiny of lawmakers following the passage of the Finance Bill, with Kenyans increasingly demanding accountability from their elected representatives on key economic and taxation measures.
