Opposition dismisses Ruto’s PAYE tax relief pledge as 2027 campaign gimmick

The opposition has dismissed President William Ruto’s latest pledge to grant tax relief to Kenyans earning less than Ksh.32,333 a month, terming it a campaign gimmick ahead of the 2027 General Election.

People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro, his People’s Liberation Party (PLP) counterpart Martha Karua and Jubilee Party boss Dr. Fred Matiang’i, who toured Njoro in Nakuru County, criticised the government’s track record, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promises made to Kenyans since 2022.

The leaders urged Kenyans to reject what they termed political rhetoric and rally behind a united opposition, saying efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 polls were gathering momentum.

“Tukaona amesema anapunguza kodi ya PAYE ya wafinyakzi …those campaign promises tunazijua, kazi hujafanya saa hii from now, ile ingine unafanya tunajua ni campaign. Na Wakenya wamesema uende nyumbani,” Nyoro said.

“Najua kuna watu wamelala njaa, kuna wale hawana tumaini ya kula leo…hiyo ndio maneno tunafuatilia, Kasongo awache kuvunja vunja uchumi ya Wakenya,” Karua added.

Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi said: “Huyu William Ruto na majivuno yake na kiburi yake ameharibu elimu, ameharibu uchumi, ameharibu afya, aende...”

Beyond their criticism of the government, the leaders used the platform to advance their push for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying cooperation among opposition parties would be crucial in mounting a serious challenge against President Ruto.

“Wale wote tuko upinzani tunazidi kuongea na tuendelee mbele…tunawaomba wananchi ni vizuri sauti yenu isikike...mnatujua sisi sote,” said Matiang’i.

Their remarks come amid growing debate over who will lead the opposition into the next election, with several opposition figures already positioning themselves within the opposition ranks.

“Na hakuna kufunga mlango, tulifungua watu wote waingie wacha wote wakuje ndani tutawatambua na tabia zao na matamshi yao,” said Karua.

Matiang’i added, “Sisi katika upinzani tunahimiza siasa ya amani, na kukaa pamoja… Rift Valley 2007 tuliona mambo hatutaki kuona tena.”