Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has voiced strong criticism against the 2024/25 budget presented by Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u, alleging potential loopholes for funds mismanagement within the current administration.
During a media press briefing at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi, Kalonzo expressed concerns that the government might intend to siphon approximately Ksh.1 trillion from questionable sections within the budget.
He was very particular with a Ksh.23.6 billion surge in recurrent expenditure, questioning the necessity of an additional Ksh.6 billion allocated to offices such as the Treasury.
Burdening Kenyans With Taxes
Kalonzo described the budget as ”lacking the ability to stimulate economic activity and burdening Kenyans with increased taxes,” and challenged the state to put in place measures which will genuinely serve the public interest.
He condemned what he called a “reckless race to the bottom,” portraying the budget as facilitating corruption under false pretexts.
Appealing to the public for solidarity, Kalonzo urged international stakeholders, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to stand united against what he perceives as the government’s disregard for public welfare.
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He called for swift action to hold accountable those responsible for breaching trust and advocated for a budget that prioritizes the needs of all citizens, not just a select few.
Contentious Finance Bill 2024
Kalonzo weighed in on the contentious Finance Bill 2024, urging MPs to heed the voices of their constituents and reject the bill.
He commended the social media movement where Kenyans actively engaged by sharing contacts of their MPs and advocating for the bill’s rejection during the parliamentary voting process.
The backdrop to these developments was the unveiling of a Ksh.3.9 trillion budget by Treasury CS Ndung’u, aimed at supporting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
While Parliament had initially approved a Ksh.4 trillion budget, adjustments were made in adherence to the government’s austerity measures.
