Petition Filed Urging Ruto To Tax Tithes, Offerings and Donations
A doctor residing in Nakuru, Magare Gikenyi, has lodged a legal case at the High Court in Nairobi, requesting that tithes, offerings, and contributions be subjected to taxation.
As per the court records reviewed by PoliticalPulseChat, the doctor raised concerns about the exemption of churches, mosques, temples, and certain Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from paying income tax.
He observed that it was important for every Kenyan and all sectors of the economy to bear an equal share of the tax burden.
The individual bringing the case also mentions Article 201 (b) of the Constitution, which promotes equity in the distribution of tax responsibilities.
“The public finance system shall promote an equitable society, and in particular the burden of taxation shall be shared fairly,” read part of the suit.
He specifically raised doubts about why the Income Tax Act grants exceptions to a certain group of individuals, thereby violating the very principle of fairness outlined in the law regarding tax payments.
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“That the effect of the Act is to allow certain groups of individuals and entities to legally be exempted by the statute while the rest of Kenyans carry their burden which in itself is discriminatory in nature and is contrary to articles 27, 28, and 201 (b) of the Constitution,” read part of the suit.
Doctor Gikenyi emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly and urged the court to prioritize upholding the principles of the rule of law and constitutionalism in their judgment of the case.
The Nakuru-based doctor’s initiative to broaden the country’s tax foundation aligns with President William Ruto’s emphasis on taxation policies ever since assuming office.
Over the last year, citizens of Kenya have expressed their distress regarding the increased living expenses due to the introduction of new taxes outlined in the Finance Act of 2023.
Nevertheless, President Ruto justified the taxes by highlighting that the primary issue in the nation isn’t excessive taxation but rather the burden of debt and excessive borrowing.
“We need to correct the mistakes made by our predecessors. Our main problem is not taxes, it is debt. People do not want to be told the truth. This has caused so many nations to default and not know how to get themselves from such messes,” Ruto stated in Nyandarua on Tuesday.
Petition Filed Urging Ruto To Tax Tithes, Offerings and Donations