The National Assembly is set to vote on the Finance Bill 2026 amid rising political friction, as opposition lawmakers are reported to be preparing to disrupt proceedings before walking out in protest over several proposed tax measures.
Ahead of the final vote, MPs will review and vote on more than 50 separate clauses in the Bill during the committee of the Whole House stage, a process expected to trigger fierce debate and possible efforts to change disputed provisions.
Broad-Based Government (BBG)-aligned MPs are expected to mobilise enough support to ensure the legislation passes, while opposition lawmakers have pledged to oppose sections they say will raise the tax burden on Kenyans already struggling with the high cost of living.
On Wednesday evening, pro-government MPs and their opposition counterparts laid bare their deep divisions, taking their disagreements beyond the chambers as both sides held separate press briefings on the proposed law.
The Bill had earlier passed the second reading despite objections from opposition legislators, who alleged, among other concerns, that it contains hidden taxes on mitumba clothing and mobile phones.
BBG lawmakers, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, strongly defended the Bill and rejected claims that it introduces punitive taxes targeting Kenyans.
“This Bill is not imposing any taxation that may be harmful to Kenyans,” Ichung’wah said.
“There is no taxation on mitumba. Ignore any propaganda on the increase of taxes on mitumba,” National Assembly Finance Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria said.
Kajiado North MP Onsemus Ngongoyo countered, saying: “It is true they want to zero-rate the issue of mitumba, but what they are not telling you is that the VAT that mitumba traders have been claiming is not there.”
On Thursday morning, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who leads the DCP party, urged his allies to vote against the Bill, calling the decision a defining moment for the country.
“Today’s vote at the National Assembly for or against the 2026 Finance Bill is a defining moment for the people of the Republic of Kenya. At the end of the day, the people of Kenya will know whether their elected representative supports measures that oppress them more or cares for them,” he said.
Gachagua said all MPs aligned with the DCP had been instructed to oppose the Bill and remain in the House to ensure that a formal division vote is held.
“Our DCP-allied members have instructions to vote against the Finance Bill 2026 and stay in the House to force a division. The people of Kenya must know who is for or against them,” he said.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa also joined critics of the Bill, calling on legislators to reject or amend it, arguing that it favours imported finished goods at the expense of local assembly companies.
“It is a jobs destruction Bill. It is an industry-killing Bill. It is a Bill that punishes local assembly, rewards importation and threatens to render our youth jobless,” Thang’wa said in a statement.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka hinted at plans to walk out of the chambers in protest. “William Ruto, it is enough. If they play the tricks they are playing, tukutane nje,” Wamboka said.