Kalonzo Musyoka Slams William Ruto For "Insanely" Overtaxing Kenyans

• Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka claimed that the cost of living has remained a subject of discussion in President William Ruto's administration
• Kalonzo stated that the Kenya Kwanza government made tremendous efforts to heavily overtax poor Kenyans in 2023
• He argued that the Azimio leaders are united and have the freedom to express their opinions regarding matters affecting them without fear

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed that 2023 will remain in history as it was the year that Kenyans experienced high levels of taxation.

Why is Kalonzo upset with the government?

Kalonzo emphasised that the Kenya Kwanza government should emulate the late President Mwai Kibaki in addressing economic challenges.

"It is a year that Kenyans have seen incredible, almost insane, levels of taxation. And we told them. How can you bring such heavy taxation when the country is going through an economic recession?" he posed.

Speaking in a live interview with NTV Kenya, Kalonzo alleged that President William Ruto's administration has not adequately addressed the pleas of the people, who vehemently fought for their rights during the July antigovernment protests.

"As we bid farewell to 2023, a year that has been both challenging and at times overwhelming,. Kenyans have lost their lives because of the Kenya Kwanza regime’s arrogant reaction to peaceful protests. They were overwhelmed to their graves," claimed Kalonzo.

Kalonzo believes that the government has put less effort into dealing with the cost of living, which has led many Kenyans to languish in poverty.

He praised the unity of the Azimio coalition and the freedom of speech that its aligned members exercise.

"In Azimio, we believe in expressing our opinion. We have a common understanding," he added.

Kalonzo's New Year message

In his New Year message to Kenyans, the Wiper leader urged Kenyans to work hard to disabuse the country of wrong policies, greed, and corruption.

"As we welcome 2024, I wish my fellow Kenyans God’s blessings, whether we are Christians, Muslims, or Hindus. All Kenyans, wherever you are here or abroad, please keep hope alive. We have only one nation—our motherland, Kenya. Let us work hard to disabuse the country of the wrong policies, greed, and corruption. Happy New Year and God’s blessings I wish for all of you," he said.

Will Kalonzo still vie for presidency?

Questioned about his intention to unseat President Ruto, he said that he would only exit politics after rising to the topmost seat.

"Giving up my presidential ambition will mean that I go home. It is as simple as that," he said.

However, Kitui East Member of Parliament, Nimrod Mbai, had argued that the politician lacks what it takes to ascend and sustain a presidential campaign, urging him to form a coalition with Ruto in the 2027 polls to regain his political stability.

According to the lawmaker, the Ukambani community would remain in opposition if they supported Kalonzo's solo bid in the coming polls.

"It's a waste of time for Kalonzo to expect endorsement by Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga. That's one assumption that will not be fulfilled and is not forthcoming," Mbai told TUKO.co.ke.