Gachagua directs DCP-allied MPs to reject Finance Bill 2026 and force a Division, citing taxes, KRA shortfalls and low health budget.
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, 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," Gachagua stated.
"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 added.
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.
"Government Cannot Tax Its Way to Prosperity"
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 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.
Healthcare Funding Falls Short of Abuja Declaration Target
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.
Alternative Proposals
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.