It is therefore deeply troubling when legislators fail to show up for critical parliamentary business.
The absence of 186 MPs during the debate and voting on the Finance Bill 2026 is both disappointing and unacceptable.
The Bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation considered by Parliament each year because it directly affects taxation, public spending and the economic well-being of citizens.
By staying away, these lawmakers denied their constituents a voice on a
matter of national importance.
The disappointment is even greater when viewed against the backdrop of
last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, during which many young people
lost their lives while demanding accountability and responsiveness from their
leaders.
Those sacrifices underscored the importance of democratic participation and responsible leadership.
Leadership requires courage. An elected representative must be willing to take a position, whether popular or unpopular, and be prepared to defend it before the electorate.
Avoiding debate and voting is not neutrality; it is an abdication of duty.
Kenyans deserve leaders who show up, participate and take responsibility for the decisions that shape the nation’s future.
“It's a sad day when you find out that it's not accident or time or fortune, but just yourself that kept things from you.”
Lillian Hellman
The American playwright, prose writer, memoirist and screenwriter was born on June 20, 1905
