Kalonzo Exposes CS Mbadi’s Push to Resurrect Rejected Taxes in Finance Bill 2024
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka voiced opposition on Sunday to the government’s renewed efforts to introduce parts of the Finance Bill 2024.
Addressing attendees at the 12th anniversary of Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, Kalonzo denounced the proposed tax revisions, emphasizing that Kenyans are already heavily taxed. He suggested that the push was being driven by Treasury CS John Mbadi.
“We need to face reality; there is a major challenge here. Should President Ruto’s government move to amend the Finance Act 2024 and increase taxes, life will only get harder for Kenyans,” Kalonzo stated.
His remarks followed government signals indicating a likely reintroduction of certain proposals from the 2024/2025 Finance Bill into the upcoming 2025/2026 Finance Bill.
Among the measures being reconsidered are taxes on digital holding companies and food delivery services, aimed at broadening the tax base.
Kalonzo was joined by Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, as they criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration’s intent to revive parts of the 2024 bill.
The opposition argued that the proposed changes would further strain Kenyans already struggling with high taxes. They warned that reintroducing rejected bill sections could spark unrest, as seen during the June protests.
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The leaders also voiced concerns about extending the presidential term limit, saying it could sow division among Kenyans.
Kalonzo’s team highlighted the June anti-government protests, where young Kenyans took to the streets to push back against the tax proposals.
“Before, we said President Ruto was up the tree, and Gen Z pruned the branches. This time, the entire tree will be uprooted,” Kalonzo cautioned.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa urged MPs to reject the amendments when they come before Parliament.
“CS John Mbadi plans to reintroduce these amendments in Parliament, and we urge our MPs to oppose the bill,” he told the gathering, adding, “Since Kenya Kwanza came into power, the only upward movement has been in taxes.”
Kalonzo also criticized the government for including a mandatory housing levy and the proposed presidential term extension in the bill, warning that this might be the tipping point for Kenyans.
“If this amendment bill is passed, the burden on Kenyans will grow even heavier,” he warned.
Kalonzo Exposes CS Mbadi’s Push to Resurrect Rejected Taxes in Finance Bill 2024
