Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has explained why he was absent during the National Assembly’s vote on the Finance Bill 2026, acknowledging public disappointment and accepting responsibility for missing the crucial session.

In a statement released on Friday, through his social media accounts Nyoro said he had travelled outside the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not be postponed, resulting in his absence when lawmakers voted on the controversial Bill.

“The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed. But no explanation should absolve the blame,” the statement read in part.

The lawmaker said he had taken time to review feedback from Kenyans and appreciated the criticism directed at him following his absence from the vote.

Nyoro maintained that he has consistently participated in debates surrounding both the Finance Bill and the Appropriations Bill, both at committee level and on the floor of the House. He said his involvement has been aimed at providing alternative views on matters affecting taxpayers, businesses, investments and the economy.

He also pointed to what he described as a challenging parliamentary environment, saying the current situation where both Majority and Minority leadership are aligned on key issues has complicated Parliament’s oversight role.

“Parliament is in an unprecedented phase where both the Majority and the Minority leadership are on the same side, thereby making it difficult to effectively act as an institution of oversight,” he said.

The vocal MP defended efforts he and like-minded legislators have made to push for lower fuel prices. He said proposals submitted to the Finance Committee were not included in its final report, forcing them to consider a separate legislative route through a private member’s bill.

According to Nyoro, parliamentary procedures classified the proposal as a Money Bill, preventing it from being introduced as an amendment during debate on the Finance Bill.

Despite the setback, he said the process of pursuing the fuel price proposals would continue through a different legislative path.

Nyoro also highlighted previous interventions he believes have yielded results, giving an example of his opposition to a proposed increase in fees for day secondary schools last December, which was later shelved after public scrutiny.

He further referenced efforts to stop the planned sale of a 15 per cent government stake in Safaricom, noting that although Parliament approved the proposal, the courts later sided with opponents of the transaction and the sale was never completed.

The MP said he and his team remain committed to analysing and sharing economic information to support better oversight and informed decision-making both within and outside Parliament.

While admitting that elected leaders are not perfect, Nyoro pledged to learn from public feedback and continue serving Kenyans with humility.

His explanation comes after widespread criticism on social media, where many Kenyans questioned the absence of legislators who had publicly opposed aspects of the Finance Bill but failed to participate in the final vote.

On Thursday only 162 out of 349 MPs turned up for the vote, with 122 voting in favour and 40 against, leaving nearly 187 MPs absent. The bill now awaits president William Ruto’s signature.