KISUMU,21st June 2026 –Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged President William Ruto not to sign the Finance Bill 2026/27 into law, citing low parliamentary turnout during its passage. He also backed planned Gen Z commemoration protests on 25 June, as families push for justice over deaths from last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday, the Linda Mwananchi leader asked Ruto to withhold assent and return the bill to Parliament for fresh debate.
“Majority of MPs voted by their feet. They were not in the House when the vote was taken,” Orengo said. “Financial legislation must receive full scrutiny. No taxation without representation.”
During the Third Reading on Saturday, 20 June, only 162 of 349 elected and nominated MPs participated. National Assembly records show 122 voted ‘Yes’, 40 voted ‘No’, while about 186 were absent or did not cast a vote.
Orengo argued that such a gap undermines the legitimacy of tax laws that affect every Kenyan.
The governor voiced support for memorial events planned for 25 June to honour victims of the 2025 Gen Z protests. Organizers, led by families including ‘Mama Rex’, notified police and called for peaceful observance.
“I urge police to provide security and prevent disruption by criminal elements,” Orengo said. “Kenyans can mark the day peacefully, either by participating or observing from home.”
He condemned what he termed “state-sponsored violence” and the use of hired goons to break up gatherings, citing two attacks at All Saints Cathedral in one week during budget forums.
“Goons don’t join legitimate causes. They join causes they’re paid for,” he said.
Orengo renewed calls for investigations into the deaths of dozens of protesters last year, including Albert Ojwang. He said compensation alone was not enough.
“Families deserve transparent investigations, prosecutions where necessary, and a formal public apology. We must remove the price tag from their deaths,” he stated.
He also pushed for national dialogue involving youth, civil society, political leaders and government to address public anger and prevent future unrest.
“Meaningful engagement is necessary,” Orengo added. “We cannot legislate or police our way out of this.”
