Kenya: Gachagua Celebrates 40 MPs Who Opposed Finance Bill 2026

Nairobi — Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has lauded Members of the National Assembly who voted against the Finance Bill 2026, describing them as defenders of the public interest.

In a statement following Thursday's vote, Gachagua singled out 40 legislators who rejected the Bill, saying they had stood with millions of Kenyans against what he termed an oppressive measure.

"You are the true heroes of our nation who chose the people of Kenya," he said, adding that their actions reflected genuine representation of voters' interests.

Gachagua expressed confidence that the lawmakers' constituents would reward them in the next general election, while criticising those who supported the Bill or failed to participate in the vote.

The former Deputy President also invoked religious symbolism, noting the number 40 holds significance in both the Bible and the Qur'an, framing the vote as a defining moment.

122 Members of the National Assembly approved the Finance Bill 2026 with amendments, clearing the way for its submission to President William Ruto for assent before it becomes law.

The Finance Bill 2026 is projected to raise an additional Sh98.9 billion in revenue, more than three times the roughly Sh30 billion generated through the Finance Act 2025 and the Tax Laws (Amendment) measures adopted following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

While seeking to cushion taxpayers, legislators endorsed several measures aimed at boosting revenue collection. These include the introduction of a 1.5 per cent withholding tax on scrap metal sales to improve traceability in the largely informal sector, as well as new compliance requirements for non-resident landlords earning rental income in Kenya.

Lawmakers also backed a one-year tax amnesty programme set to commence on July 1, 2026. Under the proposal, penalties and interest accrued up to December 31, 2025, will be waived provided taxpayers settle the principal tax liability by June 2027. The recommendation is informed by the success of the 2023 tax amnesty programme, which raised Sh43.9 billion from more than one million applicants.

Read the original article on Capital FM.