Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has set off a fresh political confrontation after publicly praising a group of 40 Members of the National Assembly who rejected the 2026/27 Finance Bill, describing them as defenders of the Kenyan people and warning that history would judge them favourably.
In a sharply worded statement that is already reverberating through political circles, Gachagua said: “History will remember the 40 Honourable Members of the National Assembly who on Thursday 18th June 2026 stood with the people of Kenya.”
He framed the MPs who voted against the Bill as acting in direct defence of citizens struggling under economic pressure, adding: “You are the true heroes of our Nation who chose the 55 million Kenyans against the oppressive 2026/27 finance bill.”
The remarks come at a politically sensitive moment in which the Finance Bill has become a lightning rod for national debate over taxation, cost of living, and the government’s economic direction. The Bill, which outlines revenue-raising measures for the next financial year, has faced criticism from opposition figures and sections of the public who argue it risks worsening household burdens, even as government supporters insist it is necessary to sustain public spending and development programmes.
Gachagua escalated his attack on legislators who backed or skipped the vote, suggesting they would be politically rewarded by the executive. “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.
He further urged Kenyans to closely track how their representatives voted, calling on citizens to hold their leaders accountable at the ballot. “Dear Kenyans, please note the Honorable Members who stood with you and voted NO, to Reject the oppressive 2026 Finance Bill. That was a vote for you as a Kenyan,” he said.
In a striking appeal to symbolism, Gachagua also linked the number of dissenting MPs to religious significance, stating: “40 is one of the most symbolic and significant numbers in the Holy Bible and Qur’an,” before concluding his message with: “God Bless Kenya.”
The remarks are expected to intensify political tensions around the Finance Bill process, with analysts warning that the increasingly personalised rhetoric between senior political figures could deepen divisions ahead of future legislative battles and reshape alliances within Parliament.
The controversy now places renewed spotlight on voting patterns in the National Assembly, with both supporters and critics of the Bill bracing for a wider political fallout as public scrutiny over taxation and economic policy continues to grow.
