Githunguri Member of Parliament, Gathoni Wamuchomba, has raised a red flag over what she describes as concealed and indirect tax measures in the proposed Finance Bill 2025, warning that the changes will disproportionately burden ordinary Kenyans despite public assurances to the contrary.
Speaking during an interview with Spice FM on Wednesday, Wamuchomba accused the government of crafting a deceptive document that avoids naming new taxes directly, while quietly amending existing laws to introduce burdensome costs on essential goods and services.
“It is not telling you that we are adding tax on bread; they’re not telling you they are adding tax on medication,” she said. “They’re amending other laws to facilitate the addition of taxes and the removal of tax reliefs. A lot has been hidden from the public eye, and we must read between the lines.”
The MP openly challenged recent statements made by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, saying they mislead the public about the true impact of the Bill.
“When Mbadi says sugar and bread have not been touched, he’s closing people’s eyes,” Wamuchomba asserted. “The factories that manufacture these products are being taxed. They’ll pass that cost to the consumer.”
Wamuchomba highlighted a range of proposed changes in the Bill, including amendments to the Tax Procedures Act that introduce stricter electronic tax invoice requirements, expand the powers of tax commissioners, and allow voiding of agreements over alleged misrepresentation, measures she warned could hurt small businesses.
“The number of hawkers in Kenya is going down. Doing business in Kenya is becoming too hard,” she said, adding that some traders have begun moving their goods to Tanzania in search of a friendlier business environment.
She also questioned the sincerity of the government’s public participation process, referencing the recent arrest of Rose Njeri, a young woman who developed a website to help citizens submit feedback on the Bill.
“If this Finance Bill truly has no new tax burdens, then why arrest Rose Njeri? It’s because the government knows it’s hiding something and doesn’t want people to know,” Wamuchomba claimed.
Predicting a range of economic impacts if the Bill passes, Wamuchomba listed potential price hikes on polythene packaging, medication, digital services, and software royalties. She warned that previously exempted products may now attract a 16% VAT, while low-income earners could see increased taxable income levels.
She also cautioned against a new tax, the Digital Lending Tax, which targets mobile and online lenders, warning that it would make borrowing more expensive for the common citizen.
“Quick loans will become more costly. This will hit the hustlers hardest,” she said.
Despite the political risks of opposing a government-backed bill, Wamuchomba remained defiant.
“Some of us have turned down serious tempting offers to keep quiet,” she revealed. “If I’m not re-elected next time, Kenyans will still know they had a Member of Parliament who told them the truth about the Finance Bill.”
She concluded with a sharp rebuke of the government’s messaging efforts: “This government is playing PR on your livelihoods. I am here to tell you the truth, whether I’m loved or not.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
