A statement by Government Spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna calling on Kenyans not to whine and pay taxes has triggered uproar with Kenyans terming it unfortunate and reckless.

Oguna on Tuesday blasted Kenyans for complaining about the current high taxes and the rising cost of living.

Responding to protests by Kenyans following the move by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to hike fuel prices, which effectively increases the cost of living, Oguna said Kenyans must learn to pay taxes without gripping.

Stop complaining 

Addressing the press, Oguna told Kenyans to stop complaining and instead stand firm and support the government by paying taxes to enable it to pay salaries to civil servants and also fund development projects.

“Where do you think the government gets the money to pay teachers, police, military and people like us? It’s from taxes,” said Oguna.

But yesterday, social media was abuzz with Kenyans airing there protestations on Oguna’s statement which they termed not only reckless but unfortunate coming from a person of his standing.

“Cyrus Oguna MUST APOLOGISE unreservedly to the millions of Kenyans he so callously and blithely insulted yesterday,” wrote lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi.

Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has laughed off at Oguna’s pronouncement  terming the remarks as an insult to the taxpayer.

Veteran journalist David Makali tweeted,” To be candid, Oguna should not have spoken. His justification of the fuel price increase is untenable in the face of ravaging poverty and hard times. It is insensitive and untimely. No one pays taxes to support their government. People pay taxes to get services.”

“Someone tell Cyrus Oguna that those countries he is talking about have a stable economy , they value their citizens enough to provide great public services !!” wrote Shiku Kihika.