Plea
A section of political lobbyists and locals from Mt Kenya East have asked the Government to curb corruption and wastage to ensure Kenyans get full value for their taxes. They said as much as the Government wants to increase taxes to finance its spending, it should also reciprocate by ensuring there is effective utilization of funds collected from Kenyans through taxation.
Political lobbyist Kirangacha Mwaniki said a big chunk of the state budget was lost through multi-billion scandals leaving Kenyans grappling with heavy taxation and lack of service delivery. “As Kenyans, we are committed to paying taxes, but our biggest concern is how those taxes are used by and within the Government,” he decried.
He said Kenyans are tired of funding corruption and wastage and that is why they are opposed to tax hikes. Consequently, the lobbyist asked the Government to support relevant bodies that are key in the war on graft including EACC and the Judiciary through proper legislation and funding.
Additionally, the lobbyist said there should be no sacred cows in the war on graft and that anybody found culpable should carry his or her own cross regardless of their social status or political affiliation. “We want to see corruption cases dispensed with speedily in court and all proceeds of corruption recovered from culprits,” he said.
Embu resident and trader Charles Kimathi asked the Government to ensure Kenyans are involved in every step of the budget making process. This, he said, will give them a sense of ownership in finance matters and also have a say in how their funds are spent.