NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 19 – Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has urged the youth to review Thursday’s Finance Bill 2026 debate in Parliament before participating in planned protests next week, arguing that some leaders have been spreading misinformation about the proposed law.
Speaking in Nandi, Mandago said Parliament had exposed what he described as false claims regarding provisions in the Finance Bill, particularly allegations that second-hand clothes, commonly known as mitumba, had been taxed.
Mandago said lawmakers who made such claims were unable to back them up when challenged during debate in the National Assembly.
“For the first time in Parliament yesterday, those who are used to spreading rumours had a very difficult time trying to use the parliamentary platform to mislead Kenyans,” he said.
The senator urged young people across the country to take time to watch and review the parliamentary proceedings before deciding whether to join demonstrations planned over the Finance Bill.
“I would urge our youth in the nation of Kenya, those who are being told to go to protests next week, before you decide to go for protests, go back and review the debate in Parliament,” Mandago said.
According to the senator, lawmakers who had claimed that mitumba had been taxed later withdrew their statements and apologised after being asked to provide evidence on the floor of the House.
“When they were told in Parliament to substantiate where they said second-hand clothes had been taxed, they said, ‘I withdraw and apologise,'” he stated.
Mandago argued that those who made the claims should also apologise to Kenyans for allegedly misleading the public about the contents of the Finance Bill.
“Consequently, they must withdraw and apologise to Kenyans for misleading the nation that this country is not working,” he said.
The Bill awaits presidential assent after it was passed by Members of the National Assembly.
