Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has answered public questions about his absence from the debate and vote on the Finance Bill 2026/27, after skipping one of Parliament’s most scrutinized legislative sittings.
Nyoro’s non-attendance drew criticism from some Kenyans, especially given his recent stance on government economic policy and his objections to parts of the country’s fiscal course.
The Finance Bill vote was held on Thursday, with turnout in the National Assembly remaining comparatively low.
Of the 349 elected and nominated members, 162 voted, accounting for 46.4 per cent of lawmakers, while 182 were absent or did not cast ballots.
Nyoro was among the absentees whose decision triggered discussion, as he has often spoken in recent months on taxation, public expenditure, debt management and wider economic policy.
The lawmaker has also been outspoken in parliamentary debates and public forums on budget-related measures, making his absence at the final voting stage stand out.
In a detailed statement, Nyoro recognized the concerns raised and said he had considered the public response.
He acknowledged that he was not in the House during the vote and accepted the criticism that followed.
He said the Finance Bill vote had taken place the previous day and, regrettably, he had not been in Parliament.
Nyoro said he had left the country on Wednesday evening for commitments he described as impossible to postpone.
Still, he said the reasons for his absence should not remove responsibility for missing the sitting.
He added that no explanation should shield him from blame.
The MP said the feedback from Kenyans would guide him and others in improving how they discharge their duties in Parliament and public service.
Nyoro defended his record on the Finance Bill and Appropriations Bill, saying he had regularly taken part in committee work and floor debates to offer alternative positions on government proposals.
He said those contributions had helped Kenyans understand decisions affecting businesses, investments and the broader economy.
He also argued that Parliament is working under an unusual situation in which majority and minority leadership appear to be in agreement, making oversight harder.
Nyoro said that reality had shaped his strategy of engaging both inside Parliament and through public platforms.
On his proposals to lower fuel prices, the legislator said they were submitted to the relevant committees but were left out of the Finance Committee’s final report.
He said advancing the proposals through amendments became difficult after they were treated as issues requiring a separate legislative route.
Nyoro added that leaders must stay accountable and receptive to criticism.
He said that, despite being human, they are far from perfect and would continue learning from the feedback they receive.