Gachagua calls Finance Bill “Punitive” as he accuses government of fiscal mismanagement
Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has strongly criticized Kenya’s proposed 2026/27 Budget and Finance Bill, describing them as economically harmful, overly punitive, and disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens.
In his alternative budget address in Nairobi, Gachagua accused the government of excessive taxation, rising public debt, and poor fiscal priorities.
He argued that the KSh4.82 trillion budget framework reflects unsustainable borrowing and weak revenue performance, warning that a growing share of national revenue is being consumed by debt interest payments.
He claimed that key sectors such as education, health, and agriculture have been underfunded, resulting in higher household costs, reduced access to services, and declining living standards. He also criticized proposals in the Finance Bill, including increased VAT on digital services, higher excise duties on mobile phones, and changes to tax compliance rules, saying they would raise the cost of living and hurt businesses and consumers.
Gachagua further alleged inefficiencies and wasteful government spending, calling for cuts to public administration costs and reductions in what he termed non-essential expenditures. He proposed redirecting resources toward agriculture, healthcare, and education, while halting certain levies such as the housing levy.
He urged Parliament to reject the budget and Finance Bill in their current form and called for a “national fiscal reset” focused on production-led growth, accountability, and reduced borrowing. According to him, Kenya’s economic future depends on disciplined spending, fair taxation, and stronger oversight of public finances.
He was accompanied by dozens of former, current and aspiring political leaders from different parts of the country.
Some of the moments as captured in pictures
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