187 MPs Go MISSING as Finance Bill 2026 Passes — Where Were Kenya's Lawmakers?

Kenya's National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026 by a vote of 122 to 40 — but the real story is the political battle behind the numbers. Speaker Moses Wetang'ula was forced to abandon a voice vote and order a formal electronic division under Standing Order No. 70 after MPs refused to let the Bill pass quietly. With 187 MPs absent from the vote, the result exposes deep fractures in parliamentary loyalty heading into 2027. This video breaks down Rigathi Gachagua's directive ordering DCP-aligned MPs to vote No, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah's defense of the Bill on behalf of the government, the concessions made to the Bill after public backlash, and what the final vote count really reveals about who controls the National Assembly. We also cover what's inside the Finance Bill 2026 — changes to the Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Excise Duty Act, Tax Procedures Act, Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, and Stamp Duty Act — and what comes next now that the Bill sits on President William Ruto's desk for assent. 🔔 Subscribe for continued political coverage as this story develops. #StayInformed TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – The vote that exposed Parliament's loyalty lines 00:30 – Final count: 122 Yes, 40 No, 187 absent 01:05 – Why the Speaker abandoned the voice vote 01:50 – Wetang'ula forces a formal electronic division 02:20 – Public pressure forces last-minute concessions 02:55 – What's actually inside the Finance Bill 2026 03:30 – Gachagua's loyalty test: DCP ordered to vote No 04:15 – Ichung'wah defends the government's position 04:50 – Reading the numbers behind the numbers 05:25 – What's next: Ruto's desk and the road to 2027 MAISHA TV – Kenya’s News Voice of Truth, Insight & Impact 🏆 KUZA Award–Winning news Broadcaster | Top 5 Most-Watched TV Channel in Kenya (2024–2025) – Media Council of Kenya We bring you breaking news, fearless investigative journalism, and powerful human stories that shape conversations in Kenya, Africa, and across the globe. From State House to village town halls, from Nairobi’s business district to African conflict zones—we deliver credible, timely, and thought-provoking coverage you can trust. ---MOST RECOMMENDED STORIES:    • MOST RECOMMENDED   📌 WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON THIS CHANNEL ✔ Kenya Breaking News – Live updates on politics, elections, and government decisions ✔ Political Analysis & Commentary – Deep dives with experts, MPs, and policy voices ✔ Investigative Journalism – Uncovering corruption, silent wars, and military intelligence ✔ African & Global News – Coverage of key events shaping the continent and beyond ✔ Business, Finance & Economy – Market insights, entrepreneurship, and economic growth stories ✔ Lifestyle, Culture & Entertainment – Fashion, art, music, film, and sports ✔ Special Reports & Documentaries – Exclusive features you won’t find anywhere else --- 📺 WATCH OUR CONTENT ▶️ WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://short-link.me/1b3wh 💻 OTHER TERRESTRIAL PLATFORMS: MAISHA TV KENYA --- 🎤 LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS 🎫 PLG 2025 | https://shorturl.at/qY9mZ| 🍋 https://rb.gy/b2hz41 📕 https://short-link.me/16DQx --- 📱 REAL-TIME NEWS ALERTS Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click Here Text “MAISHA TV NEWS” to +254746999841 for instant breaking news --- 🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS @Maisha TV Kenya News @Maisha TV Kenya Podcast @Maisha TV Kenya @Maisha TV Kenya Digital --- 🌍 WHERE TO WATCH US 📡 StarTimes – Channel 108 📡 GOtv – Channel 808 📡 Any Free-to-Air decoder nationwide We broadcast across Kenya: Kisumu, Kitale, Bungoma, Vihiga, Siaya, Nairobi, Eldoret, Trans-nzoia, Migori, Webuye, Kakamega, Homabay, Mumias, Malaba, Moi's Bridge, Makutano, Kapenguria, Busia, Lwakhakha, Mt. Elgon, Turbo, Malava, Yala, Kisii, and more. --- 📢 FOLLOW MAISHA TV ONLINE TikTok: /maishaTVKenya Facebook: /MaishaTVKenya X (Twitter): MAishaTVKenya Instagram: /maishaTVKenya 🌐 Website: maishatv.co.ke --- 💼 BUSINESS & SUPPORT 📩 Email: [email protected] 📞 Phone: +254746999841 💳 Support via MPESA Till: 656231 --- ⚠️ COPYRIGHT & PRODUCTION Produced by Maisha TV Kenya – All rights reserved under copyright and fair use policies. #KenyaNews, #BreakingNewsKenya, #KenyaToday, #KenyanPolitics, #KenyaUpdates, #KenyaHeadlines, #KenyaCurrentAffairs