Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised the 40 Members of the National Assembly who voted against the Finance Bill 2026, describing them as "true heroes" who stood with Kenyans against what he termed an oppressive taxation measure.
In a statement issued after Parliament's debate and vote on the Finance Bill on Thursday, June 18, Gachagua commended lawmakers who opposed the legislation, saying they had chosen the interests of ordinary citizens over political pressure.
"History will remember the 40 Honourable Members of the National Assembly who stood with the people of Kenya. You are the true heroes of our nation who chose the 55 million Kenyans against the oppressive 2026/27 Finance Bill," Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President argued that the MPs had fulfilled their constitutional duty of representing the people who elected them. He expressed confidence that voters would reward them during the next General Election scheduled for August 10, 2027.
"I trust your constituents will show you kindness next year on the 10th of August," he said.
At the same time, Gachagua criticized lawmakers who voted in support of the Bill as well as those who were absent during the vote. He accused them of failing to defend the interests of their constituents and suggested they were prioritizing loyalty to President William Ruto over public concerns.
"For those who voted YES to oppress the people who elected them as well as those who deliberately kept off when it mattered most, I am sure Mr. William Ruto is very happy with you and shall reward you handsomely," he said.
The former Deputy President called on Kenyans to remember the legislators who rejected the Bill, describing their vote as a stand in defense of citizens facing a difficult economic environment marked by the high cost of living and concerns over increased taxation.
According to critics, the Finance Bill contained proposals that would have increased the financial burden on workers, small businesses and consumers at a time when many households are struggling with rising prices of essential commodities. Opponents argued that the measures risked reducing disposable incomes, increasing the cost of doing business and slowing economic activity.
Gachagua maintained that lawmakers who rejected the Bill had listened to the concerns raised by wananchi across the country. He argued that the government should prioritize reducing wasteful expenditure, fighting corruption and improving efficiency in revenue collection instead of introducing measures that could place additional pressure on citizens.
The former Deputy President further warned that excessive taxation could undermine economic recovery efforts and worsen the hardships facing low- and middle-income earners. He called for greater public participation and consultation in the development of future tax measures to ensure government policies reflect the realities facing ordinary Kenyans.
However, supporters of the Finance Bill defended it as necessary for raising revenue to fund government programmes and reduce reliance on borrowing. They argued that additional resources are required to support development projects, healthcare, education and other public services while maintaining fiscal stability.
Gachagua also attached religious significance to the number of MPs who opposed the Bill, noting that the figure 40 carries symbolic meaning in both the Bible and the Qur'an.
"Forty is one of the most symbolic and significant numbers in the Holy Bible and Qur'an," he said before concluding his message with a prayer for the nation.
The remarks come amid heightened political debate over taxation and the rising cost of living, issues that are increasingly shaping Kenya's political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election. Since his fallout with President Ruto, Gachagua has emerged as one of the government's most vocal critics, positioning himself as a defender of citizens opposed to new taxes and economic policies perceived as burdensome.
His latest intervention is expected to intensify the national conversation over the balance between raising revenue for public services and protecting Kenyans from the effects of a challenging economic environment.
