Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has launched a fierce criticism of the proposed Finance Bill 2025, accusing the government of pushing policies that stifle economic growth.

Apart from the economic growth concern, Salasya said the bill marginalises communities in the periphery, particularly in the western region.

Speaking at a rally in Kakamega County on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Salasya expressed strong opposition to the Finance Bill, warning that the rising tax burden was crippling small businesses and deepening poverty across the country.

“This Finance Bill is a punishment to the common mwananchi (citizens). Businesses are dying every day because of increased taxation. People cannot breathe economically,” Salasya said.

The vocal legislator further claimed that the bill fails to offer practical solutions for reviving the economy, instead worsening the situation for struggling entrepreneurs and families already battling the high cost of living.

“There is nothing in this bill that supports small businesses or farmers. Instead, the government is targeting the little money that is left in people’s pockets. This is not sustainable,” he added.

Salasya also took issue with what he termed the continued exclusion of regions outside the political mainstream from key government appointments and development programmes.

 He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of neglecting western Kenya, despite the region’s significant contribution to the national economy.

“People from the periphery are not being considered for serious positions. We are always told to wait or support others. But our patience has run out,” he said.

Presidential ambition

In a bold declaration, Salasya announced that the western region would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, asserting that the region had the capacity and leadership to take charge of the country.

“Western Kenya will not be sidelined again. In 2027, we are not going to support anyone else. We will have our own presidential candidate. Enough is enough,” Salasya said.

He called on leaders from across the western counties to unite and chart a common political direction ahead of the next elections, stating that the time had come for the region to assert its place in national leadership.

“We must stop being spectators. Western Kenya has the numbers, the brains, and the resources. What we lack is unity of purpose,” he added.

Salasya’s remarks come amid a growing national debate over the Finance Bill 2025, which proposes several changes to tax policy, including adjustments to VAT, levies on digital services, and increases in excise duty. The government has defended the bill, saying it aims to raise domestic revenue and reduce dependence on borrowing.

However, Salasya argues that the bill disproportionately affects low- and middle-income earners and places additional strain on small businesses already grappling with high operating costs.

“You cannot grow the economy by squeezing the life out of the people. You grow the economy by empowering people to work, invest, and spend,” he asserted.

The MP also questioned the government’s priorities, saying the focus should be on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and reducing the cost of living rather than increasing taxation.

“We want roads, hospitals, schools, and electricity in every part of this country. We want policies that promote growth, not poverty,” he said.

 The bill is expected to be read by the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, next week before it is debated and voted on in the National Assembly.