Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has broken his silence over his absence during the vote on the Finance Bill, acknowledging public disappointment and admitting that his explanation should not shield him from criticism.
In a statement issued a day after Parliament voted on the contentious legislation, Nyoro said he had travelled outside the country for engagements that could not be postponed, but accepted responsibility for missing a vote that attracted significant public attention.
"The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed. But no explanation should absolve the blame," he said.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of lawmakers following the passage of the Finance Bill, a piece of legislation that often attracts intense public interest because of its impact on taxation, government revenue collection and the broader economy.
Nyoro, who has in recent years positioned himself as one of the government's most vocal critics on economic matters, said he had taken time to review feedback from Kenyans and acknowledged the weight of responsibility carried by elected leaders.
Keep Reading
- National Treasury asked to raise taxes on tobacco, sugary drinks and alcohol
- MPs pledge to push for improved care of patients with bleeding disorder
He maintained that he and like-minded legislators had consistently offered alternative views on economic policies both in parliamentary committees and on the floor of the House. According to him, these efforts were aimed at informing the public about decisions affecting businesses, investments and the economy.
The MP also used the statement to raise concerns about Parliament's ability to effectively exercise oversight, arguing that the current political environment has created unusual circumstances in which the leadership of both the Majority and Minority sides often take similar positions on key issues.
According to Nyoro, this has made it more difficult for Parliament to function as an independent oversight institution, forcing some lawmakers to pursue accountability efforts both within and outside the House.
On proposals aimed at reducing fuel prices, Nyoro said his team had presented recommendations to relevant parliamentary committees but the proposals were not included in the final report prepared by the Finance Committee.
He explained that the remaining option was to introduce the measures through a private member's bill. However, the proposals were classified as a money bill, making it impossible to introduce them as amendments during debate on the Finance Bill.
Nyoro said the process would now continue through a separate legislative route.
The lawmaker also pointed to previous instances where public debate influenced government decisions. He cited opposition to proposed increases in fees for day secondary schools late last year, arguing that public awareness helped halt the plan.
He further referenced efforts to challenge a proposed sale of a government stake in Safaricom, noting that although Parliament approved the proposal, court proceedings later stalled its implementation.
Nyoro said his team would continue analysing and sharing economic information with leaders and the public to encourage informed debate and oversight.
"As human as we are, we are far from being perfect and we will always seek to learn from the feedback we receive," he said.