The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) has criticised the 2026/27 Finance Bill and budget priorities, accusing the government of protecting corruption and executive luxury while increasing pressure on ordinary citizens through taxation. The party says the budget fails to address wastage in public spending and instead shifts the burden to low-income earners.

PLP National Vice-Chairperson Kabala Kile, speaking during a presser, said the government’s spending priorities reflect a moral crisis.

“Why is the government more aggressive in monitoring struggling Kenyans than it is in cutting excessive wastage? Our budgets should not be a tool to squeeze the mama mboga while shielding corruption and executive luxury. It is time for a budget system that values accountability over oppression,” he said in a video posted on X dated June 11, 2026.

“We see executive luxury increasing. The government and cabinet remain bloated, and that’s the moral crisis of this year’s budget,” he said. He added that a serious administration should reduce its own expenditure before asking citizens to make sacrifices.

Kile questioned enforcement priorities in revenue collection and oversight. “Why is the government more aggressive in monitoring struggling Kenyans than it is in cutting excessive wastage?” she said. She also criticised what she termed inflated procurement practices and selective enforcement against corruption.

The party argued that the current budget framework continues to impose heavy pressure on small-scale traders and households while failing to implement austerity measures in government operations. Kile said the approach risks worsening inequality and public frustration.

Kile further stated that the system allows government wastage to persist while increasing scrutiny on ordinary citizens. “We are refusing a budget system where citizens are monitored while corruption is let free to roam, where citizens are taxed while government wastage stays hidden,” he said.

Concerns on Finance Bill 2026/27

PLP leader Martha Karua has separately raised concerns over the Finance Bill 2026/27, describing it as similar to the 2024 version that previously triggered public opposition. She questioned the public participation process and warned that it may not reflect genuine citizen input.

Karua said the proposals risk repeating past economic challenges for households and businesses if adopted without changes. She urged Parliament to ensure transparency and meaningful engagement before passing the budget.

PLP maintained that fiscal responsibility should begin with reducing government expenditure before increasing taxation on citizens. The party said its position is aimed at ensuring accountability and protecting vulnerable groups.

Parliament is expected to begin debate on the Finance Bill in the coming days as stakeholders continue to raise concerns over taxation levels, public spending, and accountability in budget implementation.