Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has faulted current tax policies, warning that punitive measures are weakening local economies and undermining ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking after an economic inclusion forum in Mbiri Ward, Gachagua said sustainable community growth depends on empowering wananchi with meaningful purchasing power.
“At the heart of community growth lies the local mwananchi with meaningful purchasing power within our economy. Ignoring and undermining local economies through punitive tax regimes remains fundamentally counterproductive,” he said.
The engagement, held in Kiharu Constituency, brought together local leaders and residents to discuss strategies for economic inclusion, particularly targeting those at the lower end of the economic pyramid.
Gachagua said the initiative seeks to address long-standing inequalities that have persisted since independence, arguing that many Kenyans remain locked out of economic opportunities despite decades of policy interventions.
“Our sincere appreciation goes to the thought leaders of Murang’a County, led by Mbiri Ward MCA Ruiru Miako, for championing an inclusive economic concept,” he added.
The former deputy president has, in recent months, sharpened his criticism of the government’s economic approach, particularly on taxation and cost-of-living pressures, positioning himself as an advocate for grassroots-driven policies.
His remarks come against the backdrop of sweeping fiscal measures introduced under the administration of President William Ruto, including higher levies on fuel, housing, and basic commodities, which have drawn backlash from sections of the public and business community.
The discontent mirrors broader concerns raised during debates around recent finance laws, where critics argued that increased taxation risked shrinking disposable incomes and slowing growth in small and medium enterprises—key drivers of employment in Kenya’s economy.
Gachagua, who played a central role in mobilising support for the Kenya Kwanza coalition in the Mt. Kenya region during the 2022 elections, has since distanced himself from key policy positions of the government following his political fallout with Ruto. The rift, which has unfolded publicly, has been marked by disagreements over economic priorities, regional leadership dynamics, and influence within the ruling coalition.
Since then, he has embarked on a series of consultative forums across counties in the Mt. Kenya region, framing them as listening tours aimed at capturing the economic frustrations of ordinary citizens and shaping an alternative policy agenda.
Analysts say his renewed focus on economic inclusion and grassroots empowerment is a strategic attempt to rebuild political capital while tapping into growing public dissatisfaction over the high cost of living.
The Murang’a dialogue is one of several forums he has held across the region, as he seeks to build momentum around what he describes as a more inclusive and people-driven economic model.
