Kenya’s Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has strongly defended the proposed Finance Bill 2026/27, accusing opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka of misleading the public with false claims about hidden taxation measures.
Speaking during a public address, Mbadi dismissed allegations that the bill contains provisions targeting leasehold or freehold land owners, insisting that the legislation does not introduce any form of land taxation.
According to Mbadi, political leaders should avoid turning economic policy debates into propaganda campaigns, warning that misinformation could unnecessarily alarm Kenyans and undermine public trust in the legislative process.
Mbadi Questions Claims of ‘Punitive Tax Measures’
The Treasury CS said he personally drafted and submitted the Finance Bill 2026/27 and was surprised to hear accusations that it contains punitive tax proposals.
“I asked myself, which are these punitive tax measures that I’m not aware of? So let me read. And when I start reading, I see nothing,” Mbadi stated.
He challenged critics to specifically identify the sections they claim contain oppressive taxation clauses instead of making broad political accusations.
Mbadi argued that if there are legitimate concerns within the bill, they should be addressed constructively through public participation and parliamentary debate rather than political rhetoric.
CS Denies Claims of Land Taxation
Mbadi directly addressed remarks made by Kalonzo Musyoka, who had reportedly urged Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill, alleging it contained hidden provisions affecting leasehold land.
The CS categorically denied the claims, stating that nowhere in the bill is there any mention of taxation on leasehold or freehold property.
“There is nowhere in this bill that talks about taxing land. Freehold, leasehold, whatever old hold, there is nothing here,” Mbadi said.
He further challenged Kalonzo, a senior lawyer and veteran politician, to publicly point out the exact clause allegedly introducing such taxes.
Mbadi warned against politicizing fiscal legislation, saying Kenya must maintain responsible national discourse when discussing taxation and economic reforms.
The Treasury boss emphasized that the Finance Bill is intended to raise revenue for government operations and development projects, and should therefore be subjected to factual analysis instead of politically charged narratives.
“If there is a problem with the Finance Bill 2026, let’s point it out and then we deal with it. But let us not politicize,” he said.
He also accused opposition leaders of spreading propaganda for political gain ahead of future elections.
In some of his strongest remarks, Mbadi described Kalonzo’s statements as irresponsible, arguing that leaders seeking higher office should uphold honesty in public communication.
“It is irresponsible of a leader of such stature to propagate propaganda,” Mbadi stated.
He added that leaders should avoid creating public panic by making claims unsupported by the actual contents of the bill currently before the National Assembly.
The Finance Bill 2026/27 is expected to attract intense public scrutiny as Parliament begins debate and public participation processes across the country.
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