President William Ruto and his entourage arrives in Kirinyaga county for the launch of the Coffee Revival Programme, June 22, 2026. /PCS
President William Ruto has blasted Members of Parliament who opposed the Finance Bill 2026 as he waits to sign it into law on Tuesday.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the Coffee Revival Programme in Kianyaga County, Ruto said the Bill contains funding that will directly benefit coffee farmers and ordinary Kenyans across the country.
The President lashed out at the lawmakers who opposed the Bill in Parliament on Thursday last week, saying they are blind to the benefits citizens stand to gain.
Ruto specifically pointed to allocations for the coffee sector, fertiliser programmes, and other initiatives aimed at assisting citizens.
"I was surprised to learn that there are MPs who opposed the Bill. I wonder if you have been sent by these coffee farmers to represent their issues on coffee. In that Bill I will be signing tomorrow, there's money allocated to coffee," he said.
The President said the lawmakers who opposed the Bill relied on propaganda to make decisions that would have far-reaching implications on the well-being of Kenyans.
"That is either a lack of intelligence or having a very strange kind of intelligence."
Ruto said the MPs opposed the Bill on allegations that it contained contentious clauses they deemed punitive to Kenyans but could not point out the clauses with such provisions when challenged to do so.
"Propaganda can never drive a country," he said, accusing the MPs of following orders from unnamed quarters to oppose the Bill.
The Head of State also called on legislators to respect the wishes of their voters, questioning why elected leaders would oppose legislation that channels resources to the people they represent.
"The MPs were sent by Kenyans to represent them, not by some individual out there. So I want to tell Members of Parliament, please, my friends, respect the voters who voted for you. You cannot oppose a Bill that brings resources to the people of Kenya."
Ruto's remarks come at a time when access to agricultural support remains a very key issue for many farmers, particularly those involved in coffee production.
Coffee continues to serve as an important source of income for thousands of households in many different parts of the country, while fertilizer support is often viewed as an important tool in helping farmers manage production costs.
Ruto insisted that leaders should focus on programmes that improve livelihoods and create opportunities for citizens rather than opposing measures that provide direct benefits and advantages to communities.
The President's comments are expected to add to ongoing discussions on the Bill, with attention now turning to its implementation and the impact the proposed funding could have on farmers and wananchi if it is approved.
As debate over the legislation continues, the President remains firm that any measure designed to bring resources to Kenyans deserves the support of those elected to represent them.
