Gachagua Issues Directive To DCP MPs, Allies On Finance Bill 2026
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has directed all its affiliated Members of Parliament to vote against the Finance Bill 2026.
Gachagua issued the directive ahead of the Bill’s Third Reading vote on June 18.
He also urging the DCP-allied MPs in the United Opposition to remain in the House and force a Division, a procedural move that would put every legislator’s vote on public record.
“Today’s vote at the National Assembly for or against the 2026 Finance Bill is a defining moment for the people of the Republic of Kenya,” stated Gachagua.
“Our DCP_Democracy allied members have instructions to vote against the Finance Bill 2026 and stay in the House to force a Division. The People of Kenya must know who is for or against them.”
He went further, warning MPs who choose to stay away from the vote that their absence will be treated as opposition to the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
His main argument is that the government cannot tax its way to prosperity, especially when Kenyans are already struggling under the weight of a strained economy.
Gachagua specifically flagged the proposed taxes on digital transactions and financial payments, arguing they will hit small businesses hardest and ultimately raise costs for everyday consumers.
He also took aim at the government’s revenue targets, pointing out that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collections have fallen short of projections by about 20 per cent for three consecutive years, yet the government continues justifying heavy new levies on that basis.
On healthcare, Gachagua noted that the sector receives just 3.5 per cent of the national budget, far below the 15 per cent target Kenya committed to under the Abuja Declaration, and called for that imbalance to be corrected.
With this in mind, he also offered alternative solutions to the government, urging the cutting of wasteful government spending on travel and consultancies by at least 30 per cent before placing any new burden on households or small businesses.
ALSO READ:
- Gachagua Issues Directive To DCP MPs, Allies On Finance Bill 2026
- Equatorial Guinea Gov’t Resigns Over Goals Achievement Failure
- Teachers Seek Mass Transfers Due To Fears Of Political Violence
- Security Guards Lock Out County Officials Due To Salary Delays
- Senate Removes Sifuna From Lucrative Committee Chaired By Oburu Oginga
On the flipside, the government, led by the leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah reiterated that the government has not introduced any new taxes in the 2026 Finance Bill.
The bill has also faced a series of obstacles in the process, with the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) moving to court challenging several provisions of the Finance Bill, 2026.
COFEK sought conservatory orders to stop their enactment and implementation pending determination of the petition.
The federation argues that Parliament is in the advanced stages of passing tax measures that will restructure how Kenyans are taxed on everyday transactions without adequate safeguards for consumer protection, privacy, public participation, and fair administrative action as required by the Constitution.
The Finance Bill 2026 passed the Second Reading stage in the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 17, setting the stage for a high-stakes final vote.
Gachagua Issues Directive To DCP MPs, Allies On Finance Bill 2026
