NAIROBI: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has issued a public apology following fierce criticism over his absence during the National Assembly’s critical vote on the contentious Finance Bill 2026.
In a statement released a day after the session, the former Budget and Appropriations Committee chair admitted that his empty chair had deeply disappointed his supporters, explaining that he had travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for unavoidable official business.
Nyoro, however, refused to hide behind standard political excuses, taking direct accountability by stating that while his engagements could not be postponed, no explanation should absolve him of the blame.
He maintained that despite missing the final division, he had been actively involved in vetting both the Finance and Appropriations Bills during prior floor debates and committee sessions.
Looking ahead, the lawmaker revealed that the Finance Committee had rejected his specific proposals to reduce fuel taxes and levies, but he vowed to continue pursuing these tax cuts through an independent legislative process.
The mounting controversy surrounding Nyoro comes amid widespread public outrage over what many are calling a ghost parliament, highlighted by a massive deficit in attendance during one of the most consequential economic sessions of the year.
While the Finance Bill ultimately passed with 122 MPs voting in favor and 40 against, an astonishing 187 legislators, including Nyoro, failed to participate in the vote entirely.
This mass absence has drawn particular scrutiny to the Kiharu MP, who has recently positioned himself as a champion for the taxpayer by aggressively critiquing state taxation, soaring fuel prices, and broader fiscal policies.
For many Kenyans, his vanishing act has also refreshed uncomfortable public memories regarding his actions during the historic anti-tax protests, where he initially voted in favor of the ill-fated Finance Bill 2024 before widespread civil unrest forced the executive to withdraw the legislation entirely.
