NAIROBI, Kenya — John Mbadi has defended the Finance Bill 2026/27 against mounting political criticism, accusing Kalonzo Musyoka of misleading the public with claims that the proposed law contains hidden tax provisions.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Mbadi urged leaders to avoid what he termed as propaganda and instead help Kenyans understand the contents of the Bill accurately.
“I am the one who actually drafted and submitted the Finance Bill 2026, and I ask myself, which are these punitive tax measures that I am not aware of?” Mbadi said.
The Treasury CS challenged critics to identify specific provisions they consider punitive, rather than condemning the entire Bill without evidence.
“If there is something problematic with the Finance Bill 2026, let us point it out, but let us not politicise it,” he added.
Mbadi took direct issue with Kalonzo’s call for Kenyans to reject the Bill, saying he expected the opposition leader—who is a lawyer—to cite specific clauses backing his claims.
“Kalonzo is a lawyer. I wish he could point out in the Bill before the National Assembly any clause that talks about leasehold land, freehold land and taxation,” Mbadi said.
He maintained that the Bill does not introduce any taxes on land ownership and is publicly available for scrutiny.
“The Bill is very easy to read… and there is nowhere it talks about taxing land,” he added.
Kalonzo had on Sunday urged Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026/27, claiming it contains hidden provisions that could affect land ownership structures.
Speaking at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kenol, Murang’a County, he warned that the proposed law could introduce burdensome lease arrangements, particularly affecting residents in the Mt Kenya region.
“Reject Finance Bill 2026/27 as it is… it is going to quietly introduce leases which will be really hard for people,” Kalonzo said.
He also argued that the Bill fails to address the economic hardships facing Kenyans and could further strain households grappling with the high cost of living.
National Assembly of Kenya has since dismissed claims circulating online that the Bill introduces land taxes or annual land rent.
In a public notice, Parliament described the allegations as “purely false, incorrect, and untrue,” clarifying that the Finance Bill 2026 focuses strictly on tax administration and revenue mobilisation.
“The 2026 Finance Bill contains a total of 57 clauses, and none is on the subject of land,” the statement said.
The House further rejected claims that the government intends to convert freehold land into leasehold property to introduce annual charges.
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“There is no such Bill in Parliament… The public should disregard the false information circulating online,” Parliament added.
Despite the government’s defence, the Finance Bill 2026/27 continues to attract sharp public scrutiny, particularly over proposed measures affecting digital payments, smartphones, and gambling winnings.
Critics argue that some provisions could increase the cost of essential services and deepen financial pressure on households already struggling with inflation.
The debate comes as Kenyans participate in the ongoing public participation process, with lawmakers expected to consider views before final amendments are made.
