The Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa has warned of a scheme to introduce new taxes by the Kenya Kwanza government.
In a statement on Sunday, August 18, 2024, the former Defence Cabinet Secretary claimed that the taxes are reportedly planning to be introduced through the National Assembly.
Broad-based govt will influence
According to Eugene Wamalwa, the Kenya Kwanza administration is plotting to introduce the new taxes and then lobby for their implementation through the newly gained numbers.
Wamalwa, who served in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, pointed out that the entrance of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members into the cabinet has given President Ruto’s administration numbers to push for tax-raising measures.
However, Wamalwa indicated that Azimio will not relent in opposing new taxes aimed at burdening the taxpayers.
“Praying with the People of Kagio Kirinyaga County today to bless Kenya, especially now that the Broad-based government is planning to use its new-found tyranny of numbers in Parliament to introduce new taxes,” Wamalwa’s statement read in part.
“May our only remaining arm of government, the judiciary, that’s not yet under state capture, never be captured. We pray so that it continues to ensure that justice remains our shield and defender as our courts remain our last line of defence against the tyranny of bad laws,” he added.
The same sentiments were shared by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who opposed plans to introduce tolling on major highways.
Ecclesiastes 1: 1-2 reads: "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity." I want to thank the Church of The Holy Spirit, Kagio, Kirinyaga County and Bishop Maina for accepting to pray for us today.
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) August 18, 2024
The state of our Nation is in danger, that is the… pic.twitter.com/3d4YCmZbDZ
Taxes
After assuming office, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government would re-introduce some of the provisions in the rejected bill, particularly those relating to tax expenditures and the tax amnesty programme.
“I will just mention those two (reducing tax expenditures and extension of tax amnesty). But I know our team around here is working on some of those proposals that were in the Finance Bill 2024 which we can now put together and see how to take them to Parliament, not as Finance Bill but as other proposals,” Mbadi stated.
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, on Saturday, President Ruto also hinted at reintroducing new tax measures.
While on a development projects tour of Kakamega County, Ruto likened himself to a relentless parent who does not give up when the family experiences a stillbirth.
“Let me ask you, if you were planning to have a child (and you get a stillbirth), do you give up? Don’t you go back to try again? I have told Malulu (Malava MP Malulu Injendi) and our MPs that we will go to Parliament and plan again,” Ruto stated
