National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the Finance Bill 2026, accusing some political leaders of spreading propaganda and misleading Kenyans about the bill.

Speaking during a media briefing on the 2026/27 budget and economic measures at the National Treasury buildings on Monday, May 25, CS Mbadi said the government had taken steps to ensure Kenyans are not overburdened by taxes while still maintaining funding for government programmes.

“I welcome constructive engagement, but I do not welcome propaganda, especially when it is coming from senior leaders in this country,” Mbadi said.

He warned leaders against inciting the public using what he termed misleading claims about the Finance Bill.

“Please do not bring propaganda into the Finance Bill 2026. Do not whip up emotions unnecessarily because when people are pushed to the streets through propaganda, some lose property and others lose their lives. That is not the country we want,” he stated.

Mbadi maintained that the proposed bill does not contain harmful clauses as alleged by some opposition leaders and challenged critics to formally propose amendments through Parliament.

“If there is something wrong with the Finance Bill, I do not mind people protesting. But if there is nothing wrong, let us pass the bill as it is. If there are amendments, let them be brought forward because the bill is already before Parliament,” he said.

The CS further criticised Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for claiming that the bill contains provisions affecting land ownership rights.

“You hear leaders as senior as Kalonzo Musyoka talking about issues that are nowhere in the bill just to whip up emotions and push people to the streets for selfish political interests,” Mbadi said.

He insisted Kenyans were capable of reading and understanding the contents of the bill for themselves.

“Kenyans are intelligent. They will read the bill and know whether the intention is to protect the economy or simply push political agendas,” he added.

Mbadi’s remarks come a day after Kalonzo urged Kenyans and Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill 2026/27, describing it as punitive to ordinary citizens.

Speaking on Sunday at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kenol, Murang’a County, the Wiper leader claimed the bill could introduce long-term leasehold land arrangements that would undermine freehold land ownership rights.