Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised accountability concerns against the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of weak fiscal discipline and poor governance in the management of public resources.
Speaking ahead of the release of alternative budget proposals under his party, the Democracy for Citizens Party, Gachagua said the Finance Bill 2026 does not serve the interests of ordinary citizens and should be rejected by both the public and Members of Parliament.
He said the proposals, to be unveiled on June 5, will provide what he termed a more people-centred fiscal framework while outlining reasons he believes the current Bill is harmful to households already grappling with the high cost of living.
“I will issue budget proposals for the DCP Party tomorrow, and I will speak on the Finance Bill, and the reasons why Kenyans should reject it, and MPs should also reject it,” he said.
The former Deputy President warned that if Parliament proceeds to pass the Bill despite public opposition, citizens could take to the streets in protest.
“If they forcefully pass it, the people will come out to demonstrate,” he said.
He further alleged that there were plans to deploy police officers to disrupt any demonstrations that may arise, claims that are likely to fuel further political debate over governance and civil liberties.
“There is a plan to use the police to disrupt these demonstrations,” he added.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s fiscal policies, with critics questioning transparency in public spending and the widening cost-of-living pressures facing households.
Meanwhile, Parliament of Kenya has invited public participation on the Finance Bill 2026 and related fiscal legislation.
In a notice issued on May 31, 2026, Parliament said the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning will hold public hearings between June 2 and June 8, 2026, to collect views from citizens before the Bills proceed to the Second Reading stage.
