Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro/X
A section of Kenyan netizens have expressed disapproval online, questioning Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s explanation for missing the Finance Bill vote.
Nyoro faced criticism after he missed one of Parliament’s most closely watched legislative sessions, despite having, in recent months, emerged as a vocal voice on economic issues and government fiscal decisions.
The Finance Bill vote attracted public interest due to its impact on taxation, public spending and the broader economy.
Of the 349 elected and nominated members of the National Assembly, only 162 cast their votes, representing 46.4 per cent of lawmakers. At the same time, 182 either failed to attend or did not participate in the voting exercise.
Among those whose absence attracted attention was Nyoro, whose recent engagements on budget matters had created expectations that he would take part in the vote.
Responding in a statement, Nyoro acknowledged the criticism and said he had travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not be postponed.
“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.
He added that feedback from Kenyans would help shape future engagement in public service.
However, the explanation did little to calm criticism online, where reactions questioned the timing of the trip and whether elected leaders should prioritise key parliamentary duties.
“A lot of words to explain why you weren't where you were needed most. Interesting how urgent engagements always seem to coincide with consequential votes,” X user Otii posted.
Another user, Activist and X user, I am Chege, questioned whether the MP’s absence aligned with the expectations of voters, asking whether he had been elected to attend personal engagements or represent constituents in matters of national importance.
Some commenters also argued that the Finance Bill vote carried significant implications for ordinary Kenyans and required elected leaders to be present.
"I believe there was an option of voting online, it's either a yes or no, writing a big paragraph doesn't justify what you stand for. Come clear, watu wakona hasira huku inje namna hatari. Chesaa!!" X user George T Diano posted.
FB user Clifton Baraza compared the situation to “attending baptismal classes but missing the baptism day.”
Meanwhile, X user Tato criticised the explanation, saying “engagements that could not be postponed” was the political version of “the dog ate my homework,” while wishing the MP safe travels.
Facebook user Wanjaz Tracy wrote that leadership is not only about speaking after decisions are made, but also about being present.
"The Finance Bill was one of the most consequential votes affecting ordinary Kenyans, and absence from such a moment—regardless of the reason, naturally raises questions of commitment and priority," she posted.
Still, not all reactions were critical.
Facebook user Aristocrat45 defended Nyoro, arguing that he primarily answers to his Kiharu constituents and noting that his performance remains visible.
"You don't owe anyone explanation apart from Kiharu constituents...you serve them and your work and charity is visible, unlike those who play populist politics for their stomach gain, where is the shame?" Aristocrat45 stated.
Facebook user Tenn Jee also supported him, simply stating, “Always working. Keep that spirit up!”
Facebook user Eunice Ngahu added: “That’s my future president, Ndindi Nyoro. Continue to inject.”
The legislator maintained that he remains committed to contributing to economic oversight and offering alternative views on policy matters both within Parliament and through public engagement.
