The announcement has triggered immediate, emotional reactions from lawmakers, laying bare the deep ideological divides gripping the house over the government's latest tax proposals.
Despite a spirited and vocal attempt by opposition MPs to shoot down the bill, the government-backed majority side has carried the day, marshalling enough "yes" votes to push the fiscal legislation to the next stage.
The defeat has however not sat well with the minority side. Almost instantly, defiant chants targeting the Ruto administration echoed through the chambers.
The lawmaker have resorted to chanting 'wantam' , a slogan that opposition is using to reject President Ruto's administration in the political arena.
Disgruntled lawmakers have openly accused the executive of bulldozing punitive legislation through Parliament without considering the economic realities facing ordinary citizens.
At the heart of the fierce opposition to the Finance Bill 2026/2027 are key proposals that critics argue will hit businesses and consumers where it hurts most.
Specifically, the bill aims to significantly expand the definition of management and professional fees, a technical shift that opponents warn will drive up the transaction costs of everyday card payments.
While proponents maintain that the revenue-raising measures are vital to fund the national budget and manage public debt, opponents insist the timing could not be worse.
They argue that taxing digital financial infrastructure will stifle economic growth and further squeeze households already grappling with a high cost of living.
With the bill now advancing to the committee of the whole house for final adjustments, the political temperature inside and outside Parliament is only expected to rise.
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Kenya