Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Finance Bill 2025

The most important thing today, as the Finance Bill 2025 heads to the floor of the National Assembly, conversations around its implications are already stirring significant public interest and political activity.

Approved by the Cabinet on April 29 and presented to Parliament the following day, the bill is now set for its first reading, with public participation scheduled to be conducted by various legislators in their respective constituencies.

This year’s bill arrives against a backdrop of mounting public scrutiny and pressure, especially in the wake of last year’s countrywide protests over tax hikes.

While the government has framed the bill as part of a broader strategy to streamline tax administration, critics argue it could burden already strained households and businesses.

The Finance and Planning Committee is expected to lead the charge in analysing the bill, which proposes amendments to several key laws, including the Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Excise Duty Act, and Tax Procedures Act.

Among the contentious proposals are new measures aimed at closing tax loopholes, improving refund timelines, and enhancing compliance mechanisms.

Of particular concern is a clause that would grant the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) expanded access to financial data in a bid to curb tax evasion, an issue that has triggered strong reactions over privacy and state overreach.

Opposition lawmakers and members of the Democratic Change Party (DCP) have already voiced their disapproval of the bill, promising to stand with Kenyans in protest.

DCP leaders have pledged to mobilise their support base to reject any proposals they deem oppressive, a stance that is likely to heighten tension in the coming weeks.

Gachagua’s Mt Kenya tour

Former Deputy President and now DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua is expected to continue his political tour across Mt Kenya counties, as he ramps up grassroots mobilisation efforts and consolidates his political base.

This follows a busy day on June 3, when he toured various parts of Kiambu County, including Kirigiti, shortly after chairing the inaugural National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the DCP at the party headquarters.

Also discussed was the rollout of an aggressive grassroots recruitment drive across all counties, with plans to open party offices in every region where the party enjoys support.

The NEC further agreed to organise a forum that will bring together aspirants under the DCP banner ahead of the 2027 general election

Also discussed was the rollout of an aggressive grassroots recruitment drive across all counties, with plans to open party offices in every region where the party enjoys support. The NEC further agreed to organise a forum that will bring together aspirants under the DCP banner ahead of the 2027 general election

Reactions to Rose Njeri’s release

Talks revolving around the government’s handling of dissenting voices are set to continue today, with many believing that the government is using security agencies to silence dissenting voices.

This comes a day after software developer Rose Njeri was released on 100k bail after being in detention for 4 days after creating a website that jammed the National Assembly with messages from Kenyans over their disapproval of the upcoming finance bill