Willis Otieno Questions Leaders’ Absence During Finance Bill Vote

Safina Party Deputy Leader and lawyer Willis Otieno

Safina Party Deputy Leader and lawyer Willis Otieno has criticised political leaders over what he termed a growing gap between public statements and actions during important national decisions.

Otieno said leaders must demonstrate commitment through participation, especially when Parliament debates laws that directly affect Kenyans. He argued that democracy requires more than public speeches and political statements.

“There is a growing gap in our politics between what is said in public and what is done when it matters most,” Otieno said.

“A democracy cannot thrive on speeches alone. It is built on presence, participation, and the willingness to be counted when it is inconvenient.”

The lawyer said Kenyans are increasingly questioning leaders who express strong opinions but fail to take part in crucial decisions.

He made the remarks after controversy emerged over the absence of some MPs during the Finance Bill 2026 vote. The Bill passed after 122 lawmakers supported it, while 40 rejected it.

Only 162 MPs took part in the vote despite the National Assembly having 349 members.

Otieno Attacks Nyoro Over Absence

Otieno had earlier criticised Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro after the lawmaker missed the Finance Bill vote.

He questioned Nyoro’s commitment after months of opposing some government tax proposals. Otieno said leaders should show up when Parliament makes major decisions.

“It is becoming a recurring pattern that whenever Parliament is confronted with consequential votes that directly affect the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, you are conveniently outside the country,” Otieno said.

He questioned whether Nyoro’s public criticism of the Bill represented a genuine position or political messaging.

“After months of fiery rhetoric, media appearances, and vehement opposition to the Finance Bill, your conspicuous absence at the decisive moment raises legitimate questions about your sincerity and political fortitude,” he added.

Otieno’s comments sparked debate among Kenyans on the role of MPs during key parliamentary votes.

Nyoro Explains Why He Missed Vote

Nyoro later admitted that he was absent during the vote and apologised to Kenyans.

The MP said he travelled outside the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not be postponed.

“The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I travelled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed,” Nyoro said.

He added that he accepted criticism from Kenyans and understood their concerns over his absence.

However, Nyoro defended his record on economic issues. He said he had participated in previous debates on the Finance Bill and Appropriations Bill.

There is a growing gap in our politics between what is said in public and what is done when it matters most. A democracy cannot thrive on speeches alone. It is built on presence, participation, and the willingness to be counted when it is inconvenient.

Kenyans are left asking a… pic.twitter.com/co94jhdjP9

— Willis Evans Otieno (@otienowill) June 20, 2026

Nyoro Defends Opposition Record

The lawmaker argued that Parliament faces challenges in providing effective oversight because the majority and minority leadership have aligned politically.

He said the situation has made it difficult for MPs to challenge government decisions within the House.

Nyoro also highlighted previous campaigns against proposed increases in secondary school fees and plans to sell government shares in Safaricom.

He claimed public pressure contributed to changes in those policies.

The debate over attendance during the Finance Bill vote has renewed questions about accountability among elected leaders.

Otieno maintained that political leaders must match their words with action. He said Kenyans expect representatives to be present when decisions affecting the country are made.