President William Ruto has criticized Members of Parliament who opposed the Finance Bill 2026 as he prepares to sign it into law on Tuesday.
During the launch of the Coffee Revival Programme in Kianyaga County on Monday, Ruto highlighted that the Bill includes funding that will directly benefit coffee farmers and ordinary Kenyans.
He scolded lawmakers who voted against the Bill in Parliament last Thursday, stating they are unaware of the benefits citizens stand to gain.
Ruto specifically pointed to allocations for the coffee sector, fertilizer programmes, and other initiatives aimed at assisting citizens.
“I was surprised to learn that there are MPs who opposed the Bill. I wonder if you have been sent by these coffee farmers to represent their issues on coffee. In that Bill I will be signing tomorrow, there’s money allocated to coffee,” he said.
The President criticized the lawmakers for relying on propaganda to influence decisions that could have far‑reaching implications for the well‑being of Kenyans.
“That is either a lack of intelligence or having a very strange kind of intelligence,” Ruto remarked.
He noted that the MPs cited contentious clauses deemed punitive to Kenyans but were unable to point out specific provisions when challenged.
“Propaganda can never drive a country,” he said, accusing the MPs of following orders from unnamed quarters to oppose the Bill.
Ruto urged legislators to respect the wishes of their voters, questioning why elected leaders would oppose legislation that channels resources to the people they represent.
“The MPs were sent by Kenyans to represent them, not by some individual out there. So I want to tell Members of Parliament, please, my friends, respect the voters who voted for you. You cannot oppose a Bill that brings resources to the people of Kenya,” he added.
These remarks come at a time when access to agricultural support remains a key issue for many farmers, especially those involved in coffee production.
Coffee continues to serve as an important income source for thousands of households across the country, while fertilizer support is often viewed as crucial for managing production costs.
Ruto insisted that leaders should focus on programmes that improve livelihoods and create opportunities for citizens rather than opposing measures that provide direct benefits to communities.
The President’s comments are expected to add to ongoing discussions on the Bill, with attention now turning to its implementation and the potential impact of the proposed funding on farmers and citizens if it is approved.
As debate over the legislation continues, the President remains firm that any measure designed to bring resources to Kenyans deserves the support of those elected to represent them.