Paul Muite raises alarm over MPs backing Finance Bill 2026
By Faith Lagat, June 14, 2026Senior Counsel Paul Muite has called for peaceful demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2026/27, warning that public pressure is necessary to influence the outcome of the proposed legislation.
In an X post dated June 14, 2026, the veteran lawyer said peaceful maandamano remain the only language regimes understand. He cautioned that without sustained public action, Members of Parliament could be persuaded “one way or the other” to pass the Bill.
Muite described the Finance Bill as “draconian” and claimed that it contains provisions that would facilitate corruption in key government institutions, including the Education and Health ministries as well as State House.
“Maandamano (peaceful) is the only language regimes understand; otherwise, M.Ps will be persuaded “one way or the other” to pass this draconian Finance Bill with budgeted corruption; Education, Health Ministries and State House. Corruption will continue unabated,” Paul Muite said in an X post.
His remarks come amid growing debate over the Bill, which contains a range of tax proposals affecting businesses and households across the country.
Impact on small traders
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has also criticised some of the proposals contained in the Finance Bill.
Speaking after an interview on Milele FM on June 12, 2026, Karua expressed concern over proposals to collect additional taxes at the point of importation, saying the measures would place a heavy burden on small-scale traders.
“From Gikomba to markets across the country, thousands of traders import goods, create jobs, and support families,” she stated. “Now, the Finance Bill 2026/27 proposes collecting more tax at the point of importation, forcing many small traders to part with money long before they have made a single sale.”
Karua said the proposal could force traders to seek loans or informal credit to sustain their businesses, particularly those operating on small profit margins. She urged policymakers to adopt measures that support traders and protect the informal sector.
Treasury defends proposals
Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s YouTube podcast on June 10, 2026, Mbadi said any demonstrations against the Bill would be politically motivated rather than based on its contents.
He cited 17 public participation forums held across the country, excluding Garissa, and said the Bill reflects views collected from stakeholders. Mbadi also defended the proposed 5 per cent tax on profits from mitumba trade, saying consultations had been conducted with those affected.
According to the Treasury CS, the Bill is part of efforts to improve Kenya’s tax-to-GDP ratio and strengthen revenue collection.
Regional trade concerns
Opposition leaders have continued to push back against the proposals. Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has urged Members of Parliament to scrutinise the Bill and vote on individual clauses during debate.
Civil society groups, including Linda Mwananchi and the United Opposition, have also announced plans for demonstrations to coincide with the anniversary of the June 2024 Gen Z protests.
Meanwhile, manufacturers and regional trade players have raised concerns over proposals to remove excise duty exemptions for goods imported from East African Community partner states such as Uganda and Tanzania.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers has warned that the changes could affect regional trade valued at more than Ksh351 billion and potentially disrupt supply chains involving products such as glass, plastics and ceramics.
Parliament is expected to debate the Finance Bill in the coming weeks as public discussion over the proposed measures continues.