Kenyans have expressed outrage and disappointment after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro attempted to explain his absence during the parliamentary vote on the controversial Finance Bill.
In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Nyoro admitted that he was not present in Parliament when lawmakers voted on the Bill, saying he had travelled out of the country for engagements that “could not have been postponed.” While acknowledging that no explanation should absolve him from blame, the MP urged Kenyans to consider his previous efforts in opposing some government economic policies.
However, his explanation was met with sharp criticism from many Kenyans, who questioned why a legislator who has consistently positioned himself as a vocal defender of citizens on economic matters would miss one of the most consequential votes affecting taxpayers.
Many social media users argued that the Finance Bill vote was precisely the kind of parliamentary business that required Nyoro’s presence, especially given his reputation as one of the country’s most informed legislators on budget and economic issues. Critics maintained that travelling abroad during such a critical legislative process demonstrated poor judgment and misplaced priorities.
Others dismissed Nyoro’s argument that he had actively debated the Finance Bill and Appropriations Bill both in committee and on the floor of the House before the vote. According to his critics, while debates are important, the final vote is what ultimately determines the fate of legislation, making his absence difficult to justify.
The MP also pointed to challenges within Parliament, claiming that both Majority and Minority leadership are currently aligned on many issues, making effective oversight more difficult. He further highlighted his past interventions against proposed school fee increases and the government’s plan to sell a stake in Safaricom, arguing that public awareness and alternative viewpoints can influence policy outcomes even outside parliamentary chambers.
Despite these explanations, many Kenyans remained unconvinced, insisting that elected leaders are judged not only by their speeches and public positions but also by their presence and participation during critical votes.
Several citizens questioned whether the overseas engagements Nyoro cited were more important than representing the interests of Kiharu residents and Kenyans at large during the Finance Bill vote. Others argued that his acknowledgment of responsibility should have been accompanied by a clearer explanation of the nature of the trip and why it could not be rescheduled.
The backlash reflects the heightened public scrutiny surrounding the Finance Bill, which has generated intense debate across the country due to its potential impact on the cost of living and the broader economy.
As criticism continues to mount online, Nyoro’s explanation appears to have done little to calm the concerns of many Kenyans, who maintain that parliamentary attendance during major legislative decisions is a fundamental responsibility that should not be compromised.