Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that the government is losing millions in tax collections following the petition filed in court against the Finance Act 2023 by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and Azimio party leader Raila Odinga among others.
According to Musalia who was speaking to radio stations based in the Coast region on Wednesday, July 12, Kenya is missing over Ksh650 million every day in tax collection, which could cripple state operations.
"Azimio has taken us to court, and every day that goes by, the country is losing the opportunity to collect Ksh650 million per day and Ksh20 billion per month," he stated.
He urged that a solution must be found to stop the loss that is now slowing down the economy.
The PCS chided Raila for criticising the Finance Act without providing an alternative budget despite earlier promises.
"He does not have an alternative as he promised. When he comes for demonstrations ask for his proposed budget," Mudavadi added.
He further lamented that the opposition was using the demonstrations to sabotage the economy and the plan laid out by President William Ruto's administration.
"Our constitution allows people to demonstrate if they are dissatisfied with the government. As the government, we respect the Constitution. What we oppose is the destruction of property and loss of lives," he stated.
Mudavadi urged his former ally to accept defeat rather than cause more chaos in the country that was affecting the livelihood of ordinary Kenyans.
"He lost the elections, lost at the Supreme Court and now he is on the streets demonstrating and collecting signatures to oust the government," Mudavadi stated.
"National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Ruto, and I have worked with Raila and we know he is not one to be trusted. Who will cater for the expenses of all those killed in the demonstrations," he posed.
On Monday, July 10, High Court Justice Mugure Thande extended conservatory orders on the Act adding that its implementation would see some Kenyans pay more taxes unfairly.
