Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has instructed all Members of Parliament affiliated to his party to vote against the Finance Bill 2026.
The directive came before the Bill’s Third Reading vote on June 18, with Gachagua also urging DCP-aligned MPs in the United Opposition to remain in the House and demand a Division, a procedural step that would record every legislator’s vote publicly.
“Today’s vote at the National Assembly on the 2026 Finance Bill is a decisive moment for the people of the Republic of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
“Our DCP_Democracy allied members have been instructed to vote against the Finance Bill 2026 and remain in the House to force a Division. The people of Kenya must know who stands with them and who does not.”
He further warned that MPs who stay away from the vote would be seen as acting against the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
Gachagua’s central argument is that the government cannot tax its way into prosperity, particularly while Kenyans are already under pressure from a struggling economy.
He singled out proposed taxes on digital transactions and financial payments, saying they would affect small businesses most and eventually increase costs for everyday consumers.
He also criticized the government’s revenue targets, noting that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collections have missed projections by about 20 per cent for three consecutive years, yet the government continues to justify major new levies on that basis.
On healthcare, Gachagua said the sector receives only 3.5 per cent of the national budget, far below the 15 per cent target Kenya committed to under the Abuja Declaration, and urged that the gap be addressed.
He also proposed alternative measures, calling for wasteful government spending on travel and consultancies to be reduced by at least 30 per cent before new burdens are placed on households or small businesses.
Meanwhile, the government, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, reiterated its support for the 2026 Finance Bill.
The Bill has also encountered several hurdles, with challengers contesting various provisions of the Finance Bill, 2026 and seeking conservatory orders to stop their enactment and implementation pending determination of the petition.
The federation argues that Parliament is at an advanced stage of passing tax measures that will change how Kenyans are taxed on everyday transactions without sufficient safeguards for consumer protection, privacy, public participation and fair administrative action as required by the Constitution.
The Finance Bill 2026 passed the Second Reading stage in the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 17, paving the way for a high-stakes final vote.