Finance Bill 2026 Will Crush Kenyans” — Jimi Wanjigi Sparks Political Firestorm, Urges MPs to Reject Proposal
By Joseph Mburu
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has ignited a heated national debate after urging Members of Parliament to reject the proposed Finance Bill 2026, warning that it could deepen the financial strain already facing millions of Kenyans.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Monday, Wanjigi painted a grim picture of the country’s economic situation, saying the bill would “tighten the noose” on ordinary citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.
He argued that instead of offering relief, the proposed tax measures risk making daily life more expensive, especially for low- and middle-income households. According to him, the government has failed to introduce practical reforms that address Kenya’s core economic challenges.
Wanjigi also launched a sharp critique of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of over-reliance on borrowing and warning that continued domestic debt accumulation could destabilize the economy. He described the current borrowing trend as reckless and unsustainable, urging leaders to explore alternative ways of raising revenue without overburdening taxpayers.
Among his proposals, Wanjigi called for reduced taxation on citizens, tighter controls on government borrowing, and improved efficiency in revenue collection to plug leakages within the system.
He further appealed to MPs to rise above party politics when the bill comes before Parliament, saying they must prioritize the welfare of citizens over political loyalty.
“Lawmakers must listen to the cries of Kenyans who are already under pressure,” he said, adding that the country risks further economic strain if the bill is passed in its current form.
Wanjigi also singled out Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, urging him to publicly clarify his position on key economic policies, saying national leaders cannot remain silent at a time when many families are struggling financially.
In response, government officials have defended the Finance Bill 2026, insisting that the proposed measures are necessary to strengthen fiscal independence and reduce Kenya’s reliance on external funding. Treasury representatives say the revenue generated will help finance development projects, support county governments, and narrow the budget deficit.
As debate intensifies ahead of the bill’s first reading in Parliament, public anxiety continues to grow, with analysts warning that failure to strike a balance between revenue generation and affordability could trigger wider public discontent.
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