MPs clash over Finance Bill 2026 as second reading passes

Pro-government Members of Parliament and those in the opposition continued their sharp disagreements over the Finance Bill 2026, holding parallel press conferences on the proposals. The Kenya Kwanza House leadership, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, strongly defended the bill, dismissing claims that it introduces punitive taxes on Kenyans. Opposition MPs also held a separate media briefing, alleging that the bill contains hidden taxes on mitumba clothing and mobile phones. Despite the protests, the bill sailed through its second reading in the National Assembly.