Opposition leaders, including Rarieda Member of Parliament Sinekansu Otiende Amolo and Kathiani counterpart Robert Mbui, have launched a scathing critique against the Ruto administration’s taxation policies, decrying them as oppressive and detrimental to the welfare of Kenyans.
The focal point of their criticism lies in President Ruto’s recent endorsement of the controversial affordable housing bill, which the opposition perceives as exacerbating the financial strain on ordinary citizens. They argue that the legislation disproportionately burdens taxpayers while offering minimal benefits, particularly to those struggling to afford housing. Amolo and Mbui assert that the administration’s taxation approach lacks equity and fails to address the pressing needs of the populace. They contend that instead of fostering economic growth and prosperity, the current policies deepen socio-economic inequalities and hinder access to essential services and opportunities for advancement.
Furthermore, the opposition leaders highlight broader concerns regarding the government’s fiscal management and expenditure priorities. They question the rationale behind imposing heavy tax burdens on citizens while simultaneously pursuing initiatives that appear to benefit only a select few.
In their critique, Amolo and Mbui underscore the need for a more inclusive and transparent tax regime that prioritizes the well-being of all Kenyans. They emphasize the importance of fiscal policies that promote equitable distribution of resources and support sustainable development initiatives that uplift marginalized communities. As the debate over taxation intensifies, the opposition’s condemnation of the Ruto administration’s fiscal policies underscores growing discontentment with the government’s approach to governance and economic management.