Nairobi, Kenya — May 21, 2026, 8:40 AM: John Mbadi has criticised former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i after the Jubilee Party deputy leader urged Kenyans to reject the proposed Finance Bill 2026.
Speaking on Wednesday night, Mbadi accused Matiang’i of opposing the bill without identifying specific clauses he considers problematic.
The remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding the Finance Bill 2026, which has already attracted widespread public attention and scrutiny across Kenya’s political and economic landscape.
Mbadi Challenges Matiang’i to Cite Problematic Clauses
According to Mbadi, leaders opposing the proposed legislation should clearly identify contentious provisions instead of calling for a blanket rejection of the bill.
“I have a problem with politicians out there who are telling Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill without saying what is wrong with it,” Mbadi stated.
The Treasury CS further reminded Matiang’i that he served in the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta for nearly a decade, during which several Finance Bills were passed into law.
“You have been a minister in Uhuru’s government for ten years, my friend Fred Matiang’i, you passed finance bills, 10 of them, most of them with problems,” Mbadi said.
Mbadi challenged the former Interior CS to publicly point out specific clauses in the Finance Bill 2026 that he believes are harmful to Kenyans.
“Instead of telling Kenyans to reject, tell Kenyans I have a problem with this provision, that is responsible leadership. You cannot address a press conference without pointing out what you feel is wrong with the Finance Bill. Is that how you want to run this country as president?” Mbadi posed.
Matiang’i Says Bill Will Worsen Cost of Living
Earlier on Wednesday, Matiang’i addressed journalists at the headquarters of the Jubilee Party, where he called on Kenyans to oppose the proposed Finance Bill.
The former Cabinet Secretary argued that the bill contains punitive proposals that could increase the already high cost of living.
“As the Jubilee Party, we are the first to say that we are joining other Kenyans in rejecting the Finance Bill 2026,” Matiang’i stated.
“When you look at what is contained in that Finance Bill, you wonder how we will survive. The cost of living is already unbearable for many people,” he added.
Public Participation Process Underway
The Finance Bill 2026 is currently undergoing public participation, with Kenyans expected to submit views before Parliament debates the proposals.
Economic analysts say the Finance Bill will likely remain a major political issue in the coming months as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
