On Thursday, 122 National Assembly members backed the Bill, while only 40 voted against it.
The vote forms part of the government’s push to finance the Sh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Despite a united opposition front, the government’s numerical advantage carried the day.
The Bill, which includes several tax and revenue-raising proposals meant to increase state collections, now awaits assent from President William Ruto before becoming law.
Supporters of the measure have defended it as essential for sustaining government programmes and reducing dependence on borrowing.
Critics, however, say some of the proposed provisions will add pressure on households and businesses already struggling with the high cost of living.
The dispute comes as a group of leaders led by Siaya Governor James Orengo has stepped up calls for Kenyans to observe June 25 by staying away from work.
Joined by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, People’s Liberation Party boss Martha Karua, human rights lawyer Gitobu Imanyara and former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, the leaders petitioned and notified the Inspector General of Police on Thursday of plans for a peaceful nationwide march.
Orengo said June 25 would be observed as a public holiday, with no work or school.
He invited Kenyan mothers, fathers, siblings and friends to march to Parliament to demand justice and lay flowers at the place where their children’s lives were cruelly taken.
Several MPs aligned with the administration welcomed the Bill’s passage, saying Parliament had struck a balance between raising revenue and shielding citizens from excessive taxation.
Opposition leaders criticised the legislation, warning that it could further alienate citizens who continue to carry the burden of the high cost of living.
DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua praised the 40 lawmakers who rejected the Bill and urged Kenyans to respond to those who voted in favour of the Finance Bill.
He said history would remember the 40 members of the National Assembly who stood with Kenyans on Thursday, describing them as true national heroes for choosing the 55 million citizens over what he called the oppressive 2026/27 Finance Bill.
He called on Kenyans to stand with the MPs who voted against the Bill.
He told Kenyans to note the lawmakers who stood with them and voted no to reject the 2026 Finance Bill, saying that was a vote on their behalf.
Starehe MP Amos Mwago described the passage of the Bill as the beginning of further agitation for tax accountability to ensure Kenyans receive value.
Mwago said the demand for fair taxation, accountability and economic justice remains alive, adding that Kenyans must continue pushing for policies that support growth, protect livelihoods and ease the cost of living.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi praised the 40 lawmakers who voted against the Bill and insisted that the fight for the common citizen would continue.
He said the 40 MPs who stayed late to stand with Kenyans and vote no, including himself, would be remembered by history.
Mumias East MP Peter Salaysia said the large number of MPs absent during the vote showed the level of hostility on the ground, especially against the tax proposals.
He said most of those absent came from the Mt Kenya region, particularly MPs from the UDA party, adding that their conspicuous absence spoke volumes.
The debate over the Bill has moved beyond Parliament, reigniting political tensions that have persisted since the historic June 2024 demonstrations, when thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets to protest proposed tax increases and demand greater government accountability.
Lawyer and governance commentator Willis Otieno criticised MPs who did not take part in the vote.
He said many of the same legislators would later appear in public forums to deliver eloquent lectures on economics and profess unwavering solidarity with ordinary Kenyans.
With President Ruto expected to sign the Bill, attention is now shifting to State House as activists, youth groups and political leaders continue mobilising around the June 25 anniversary.