MPs Urge Kenyans to Engage Constructively on Finance Bill Debate

Nominated MP Ruth Odinga speaks during an interview on the proposed Finance Bill 2026, urging Kenyans to engage leaders constructively and avoid threats during the ongoing public debate.

Members of Parliament have urged Kenyans to participate constructively in discussions surrounding the proposed Finance Bill 2026, calling for calm, public engagement and informed debate instead of threats and political propaganda.

Speaking during an interview, nominated MP Ruth Odinga said the proposed bill was aimed at balancing the country’s development needs while protecting ordinary Kenyans from excessive taxation.

Odinga noted that many Kenyans were already struggling with the high cost of living and acknowledged the pain caused by taxes, but insisted that citizens should first understand the contents of the bill before rejecting it outright.

“We must be sensitive enough to know that the economy is affecting many people, but at the same time we also need to develop our nation,” she said.

She explained that the Finance Bill seeks to create opportunities that would unlock jobs and support vulnerable Kenyans, especially those who work throughout their lives without formal employment benefits or pensions.

“There are many people who have worked all their lives, raised children and struggled to survive, yet they have never had a payslip or pension. When they grow old, they have nothing to depend on at the end of the month,” Odinga said.

According to the legislator, several measures in the proposed bill are intended to support such groups and ensure that economic reforms touch every Kenyan.

Odinga cautioned political leaders and members of the public against spreading misinformation about the Finance Bill, saying some narratives being circulated were meant to incite Kenyans instead of encouraging meaningful discussion.

“Whoever is running ahead to incite Kenyans that they should reject the bill must explain what exactly they are rejecting. Let us not buy propaganda. Let us wait for the Finance Bill to be debated properly,” she said.

She emphasized that Parliament’s role is not simply to approve or reject the bill, but to scrutinize every proposal through debate and amendments before any final decision is made.

“The Finance Bill does not come to Parliament only to be voted yes or no. It is tabled in the House and debated clause by clause,” she explained.

Odinga encouraged Kenyans to use democratic channels to express their concerns by engaging their elected leaders including Members of Parliament and Senators.

“If there is a matter of concern that you feel you cannot reach the authorities with directly, you have your area MP and your Senator. You can pass your views to them so they can speak on your behalf,” she said.

The MP also called on citizens to communicate respectfully with leaders instead of issuing threats over political decisions.

“Do not use our phone numbers only to threaten us. Use them properly to tell us your opinions and what you think should be changed,” she said.

She condemned threats directed at legislators over their stand on the Finance Bill, saying disagreements should not turn into intimidation or violence.

“These threats of telling leaders that if they pass the bill they will be attacked are not right. Let us not threaten each other,” she added.

Odinga acknowledged the frustrations many Kenyans are facing due to taxation and the rising cost of living, saying leaders themselves also experience the same burden.

“Even me, I am taxed from my salary and I feel the pain. Whatever I feel is not right for Kenyans, I will discuss it in Parliament,” she said.

At the same time, she defended President William Ruto, saying the Head of State should not be blamed directly for the contents of the Finance Bill.

According to Odinga, Parliament plays the central role in shaping and approving the bill before it is forwarded to the President for assent.

“President Ruto does not write anything on that paper. It is only taken to him after Parliament has passed or rejected it,” she said.

She maintained that lawmakers are listening to the concerns being raised by Kenyans and are prepared to make adjustments where necessary during the debate process.

“We are ready to listen to Kenyans. Please do not threaten your leaders. Tell them what you think and allow Parliament to discuss the issues,” she added.

Odinga further admitted that some leaders may occasionally go against the expectations of the people who elected them, but said citizens still have the power to hold them accountable through democratic processes.

“There are leaders who may go against the wishes of the people, yes, but that is why citizens elect leaders and hold them accountable,” she said.

Her remarks come amid growing public debate and criticism over proposed tax measures in the Finance Bill 2026, with concerns being raised by sections of the opposition, civil society groups and wananchi over the impact of additional taxes on households and businesses.

The proposed bill has continued to attract mixed reactions across the country as Kenyans closely monitor Parliament’s deliberations before its final approval.

Despite the criticism, Odinga insisted that national development requires collective responsibility and open dialogue between leaders and citizens.

“We are Kenyans and we must remain united. The pain you feel is the pain leaders also feel. Let us discuss issues peacefully and work together for the good of the country,” she said.