Inside Politics

‘I am happy we have all agreed to pay taxes’ – Ruto tells critics

Sunday, February 5th, 2023 15:02 | By
'I am happy we have all agreed to pay taxes' - Ruto tells critics
President William Ruto attends Sunday service at Deliverance Church International, Ruai, Nairobi County. PHOTO/William Ruto/Twitter

President William Ruto now says his tough stance that every Kenyan should pay taxes regardless of their social status has begun to bear fruits.

Speaking during a Sunday service at the Deliverance Church International, Ruai, Nairobi, the Head of State said Kenyans have agreed that there will be no waiving of taxes for anyone.

He said the national "consensus" will go a long way in reducing the country's debt burden.

"I am happy that as a country we have all agreed and built a consensus that irrespective of status, there’ll be no waiving of taxes for anyone... It is the best consensus we can have as a nation, and it is what will get us out of debt," Ruto stated.

At the same time, President Ruto said in the coming days government agencies will not be allowed to drag the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to court over tax row.

The Kenya Kwanza leader encouraged institutions to embrace dialogue to resolve any tax disputes and save the country money paid in legal fees to city lawyers.

Ruto’s push to have all Kenyans pay taxes has received criticism from a section of the political class with some leaders accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of targeting retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Daniel Moi's families.

Yesterday, former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta rubbished claims that the Kenyatta family has not been paying taxes.

Speaking at a church service in Lamu county, Mama Ngina castigated a section of the Kenya Kwanza leaders who she said have been belabouring the tax subject for their own political gain.

“I wonder when I hear some people say that others are not paying taxes. I wonder because people wake up and just say things disregarding the fact that the government has a way of running such matters.

“Paying taxes is a must for everyone regardless of their status in society. It’s not a matter to be talked about in the media or in political gatherings.

“There’s no need of maligning some people to prove that you are working,” she said.

She said the Kenyatta family has been paying taxes adding that she is ready to pay any taxes should it be found that she’s not paid any taxes.

"Even if it’s myself who’s not paid taxes even for one year, I’m ready to have my property sold to pay the taxes," she added.

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