Opposition to Ruto: Finance Bill 2026 repeats June 25 mistakes
By Sharon Atieno, June 3, 2026The opposition has intensified pressure on President William Ruto over the proposed Finance Bill 2026, accusing the government of ignoring lessons from the nationwide backlash that followed the Finance Bill 2024 and the June 25 protests.
In a statement shared by the leader of Wiper Democratic Movement, Kalonzo Musyoka, on his X account on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, opposition leaders argued that the latest bill reflects a continuation of policies that have already placed pressure on households and businesses.
They claimed that despite years of increased taxation, rising debt levels and growing economic challenges, the government’s approach remains unchanged.
“The Finance Bill 2026 is further proof that the Ruto regime has learnt nothing and forgotten everything from the June 25 revolution,” the statement read in part.
Opposition rejects more burden on Kenyans
The opposition argued that ordinary citizens are already struggling with the rising cost of living, shrinking incomes and unemployment.
According to the statement, Kenyans are not resisting their responsibility to contribute to national development but are instead demanding accountability and prudent use of public resources.
“Kenyans are not refusing to contribute to nation-building. They are demanding accountability and value for money,” the leaders stated.
They further criticised what they termed as continued wasteful expenditure, inflated procurement costs and failure to address corruption concerns.
June 25 protests return to political debate
The opposition also referenced Gen Z and Millennial-led demonstrations witnessed during the Finance Bill 2024 debate, saying the protests reflected broader public frustrations.
According to the statement, young people who participated in the demonstrations were defending economic interests rather than opposing government itself.
“The Gen Zs and Millennials who stood up against the Finance Bill did so because they were pro-Kenya,” the statement added.
Karua raises similar concerns
The criticism mirrors sentiments raised by People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, who recently described the Finance Bill 2026 as a replica of the controversial 2024 bill.
Karua argued that the latest proposals contain similar tax measures that previously sparked public resistance and warned that they could increase pressure on households and businesses.
“The Finance Bill 2026/27 is a replica of the 2024 Finance Bill,” Karua said.
The debate around the Finance Bill is expected to dominate political discussions in the coming weeks as Parliament prepares to consider the proposed measures.